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Copyright, 18Q3, by The Bible Study Publishing Co. 



THE BIBLE STUDY UNION GRADED LESSON SYSTEM 

For Sunday-schools and Bible Classes 



OUTLINE BIOGRAPHICAL COURSE 



The Three Great Apostles 

PETER, PAUL, AND JOHN 



PROGRESSIVE GRADE 

WITH 

WRITTEN-ANSWER QUESTIONS 

FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULTS 



OFFICE EDITORS 

Rev. ERASTUS BLAKESLEE and Prof. PHILIP A. NORDELL, d.d. 



CONSULTING EDITOR 

President ALVAH HOVEY, d.d., 

Newton Theological Institution 



THE BIBLE STUDY PUBLISHING CO., 

21 Bromfield Street 

BOSTON, MASS. 




^t Vt^e V^ coPwmctiVED 






3355 



Copyright, 1897, by The Bible Study Publishing Co. 



1 -■ -'>kESS 



WASHINGTON 



INTRODUCTION 



PREFACE 



The preparation of this Course introduces a new feature into this System of 
Bible study. Heretofore the Courses for the Main School have been historical. 
The time has now arrived for the next step in the development of the effort to 
provide the best possible means of Bible study for Sunday-schools. This is to sup- 
plement historical study by biographical study. By so doing pupils can approach 
the Scripture material from a new direction and study it with a new purpose. 

As most persons are more interested in history than in abstract truths, so they 
are as a rule more interested in persons than in events. The Bible is largely 
biographical. The Acts and Epistles are occupied almost wholly with the deeds 
and words of the three Apostles whose lives are the subject of this Biographical 
Course, and can be studied from this standpoint with the greatest profit. It is, 
therefore, with much satisfaction that this Course is offered to the constituency 
of The Bible Study Union, especially to those who have already the Course on The 
History of the Apostolic Church. 

This Biographical Course must of necessity review much of the material already 
studied in the previous Historical Course. It therefore combines the advantages of 
a review of the Scripture material with the interest of a new subject, and in the 
Steps of Progress by which schools using this System of lessons rise to con- 
stantly enlarging views of Scripture truth, this Course takes the place of a re- 
view of the above mentioned Historical Course, thus solving the problem of how 
to return to the study of the same portion of Scripture without returning to the 
study of the same lessons. 

The lessons of this Course embody the results of the accumulated experience of 
the past seven years in the preparation and use of this System of lessons, and 
include many improvements over any previously issued. It is believed that in 
arrangement, method and practical value, they will be found better than any that 
have preceded them. They are therefore confidently recommended to the favora- 
ble consideration of all Sunday-schools and Bible Classes who wish to study this 
portion of Scripture in the most satisfactory way. 

Hi 



iv Introduction. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



INTRODUCTION. 



PAGES 

Preface in 

Abstract of Lessons in the Course x-xiii 

Directions for Study xiv 

PRINCIPAL MAPS. 

Colored Map of Palestine Frontispiece 

Syria and Adjacent Lands Introduction, v 

The Eastern Part of the Roman Empire .... " vi 

Southwestern Asia Minor " vii 

St. Paul's First Missionary Journey " viii 

St. Paul's Second Missionary Journey ...... " viii 

St. Paul's Third Missionary Journey .... " ix 

St. Paul's Voyage to Rome " ix 

St. Paul's Route in Asia Minor on his Second Mission- 
ary Journey Appendix, xxi 

To Illustrate the Shipwreck of St. Paul ... " xlii 

THE LESSONS. 

Part I. The Training of Peter and John, and the Beginning of 

their Work in Jerusalem. Lessons 1-7 . . . 1-24 
Part II. The Missionary Work of Peter and John in Samaria and 

Judea, and the Conversion of Saul. Lessons 8-i 3 . 25-44 
Part III. Paul's First Three Missionary Journeys, and the Last 

Mention of Peter in the Acts. Lessons 14-32 . . 45-114 
Part IV. The Closing Years of Paul's Ministry. Lessons 33-45 115-161 
Part V. Peter and John in the Latter Half of the Apostolic 

Age. Lessons 46-52 162-184 

APPENDIX. 

Table of Abbreviations i 

Table of Books Recommended i 

Explanatory Notes and Remarks on the Lessons . . . ii-lx 

Bible Dictionary of the Lessons lxi-lxxiii 

Opening Services for All Grades lxxiv-lxxvii 

[T. G. A. Prog.] 



Map of Syria. 




MAP OF SYRIA AND ADJACENT LANDS. 
To Illustrate the Early History of the Church. 



VI 



Introduction. 




Map of Southwestern Asia. 



vii 




Introduction. 



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IcoTiium / C A r ..--"" 

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Map of St. Paul's First Missionary Journey. 




Map cf St. Paul's Second Missionary Journey. 



Map of St. Paul's Journeys. 



IX 




Map of St. Paul's Third Missionary Journey. 




Map of St. Paul's Voyage to Rome. 



x Introduction. 



OUTLINE BIOGRAPHICAL COURSE 

THE THREE GREAT APOSTLES 

PETER, PAUL, AND JOHN 

Their Lives as Recorded in the New Testament 



ABSTRACT OF LESSONS IN THE COURSE 



INTRODUCTORY NOTES 

Note i. — Object of the Course. To give a complete and connected view 
of the principal events in the lives of The Three Great Apostles as recorded in 
the New Testament; to present such brief extracts from their writings as are 
necessary to complete their biographies; and to indicate the more important prac- 
tical truths suggested by the lesson material. 

Note 2. — Part Divisions. These conform very nearly to the Part divisions in 
the Course on The History of the Apostolic Church, so that what was learned in 
that Course becomes a basis of instruction in this. 

Note 3. — Chronology. The only fixed dates in the Acts and Epistles are those 
of the death of Herod Agrippa, A.d. 44, and of the appointment of Festus as 
governor of Judea, A.D. 60. To these points other dates must be adjusted as 
closely as the facts in the narrative or in external history will permit. Nearly all 
the dates accompanying these lessons must therefore be regarded as only approxi- 
mate — the best that can be given in the present state of Biblical scholarship. 

Note 4. — Treatment of Material. In the Course on The History of the 
Apostolic Church the material from the Acts and Epistles was treated with refer- 
ence to the general history of the church during the New Testament period. In 
this Course the material is treated with reference to the special work and charac- 
teristics of The Three Great Apostles, that is, is studied Biographically instead 
of Historically; and since the lines along which the study proceeds are necessarily 
in many respects the same in both Courses, the New Course combines the advan- 
tages of a review with the interest that attaches to a new subject. In working out 
the lessons special attention is given to their spiritual applications. 



Abstract of Lessons in the Course. 



XI 



PART AND LESSON TITLES. 



PART I. 



THE TRAINING OF PETER AND JOHN, 
THEIR AVORK IN JERUSALEM. 



AND THE BEGINNING OF 



Time. — From their First Interview with Jesus to the Death of Stephen. Covering our Lord's 
Ministry, and Part I of The History of the Apostolic Church. a.d. 26-34 (see Note 3). 

The Call of Peter and John. From the Pointing Out of Jesus at 
the Jordan to the Choice of the Twelve. (Scattered References. A.D. 
27.28.) 

The Training of Peter and John. From the Choice of the 
Twelve to the Night in Gethsemane. (Scattered References. A.D. 
28-30.) 

Peter's Fall and John's Steadfastness. From the Night in Geth- 
semane to the Ascension. (Scattered References. A.D. 30.) 

Peter's Leadership in the Church. The Choice of a New 
Apostle, and the Day of Pentecost. (Acts, chs. 1, 2. A.D. 30.) 

Peter and John in the Temple. The Healing of the Lame Man, 
and the Discourse in Solomon's Porch. (Acts, ch. 3. About A.D. 31.) 

Peter and John in Prison. Their Boldness before the Jewish 

Rulers. (Acts 4 : 1-31. About A.D. 31.) 
Peter's Growing Power and Influence. Ananias and Sapphira 

Punished. Many Miracles Wrought. The Rulers Disobeyed. (Acts, 

ch. 5. Between A.D. 32 and 34.) 



Lesson i. 

Lesson 2. 

Lesson 3. 

Lesson 4. 

Lesson 5. 

Lesson 6. 

Lesson 7. 



PART II. 

THE MISSIONARY WORK OF PETER AND JOHN IN SAMARIA AND 
JUDEA, AND THE CONVERSION OF SAUL. 

Time. — From the Death of Stephen to the Sending Out of Missionaries by the Church in 
Antioch. Part II of The History of the Apostolic Church, a.d. 34-44 (see Note 3). 

Lesson 8. Petf.r and John in Samaria. The Wickedness of Simon Magus 
Exposed. (Acts 8 : 1-25. About A.D. 34.) 

Lesson 9. The Conversion of Saul. The Apostle to the Gentiles Called. 
(Acts 9 : j-iga ; and parallel passages. About A.D. 35 or 36.) 

Lesson 10. Peter's Vision at Joppa. The Command to Carry the Gospel to 
the Gentiles. jActs9:32 — 10:23a. About A.D. 40.) 

Lesson ii. Peter Opening the Door to the Gentiles. The Conversion of 
Cornelius. (Acts 10: 23^— 11 : 18. About a.d. 40.) 

Lesson 12. Peter's Deliverance from Prison. The Prayer of the Church 
Answered. (Acts 12 : 1-19. A.D. 44.) 

Lesson 13. Review of Lessons 1-12. (End of First Quarter.) 



PART III. 

PAUL'S FIRST THREE MISSIONARY JOURNEYS, AND THE LAST 
MENTION OF PETER IN THE ACTS. 

Time. — From the Sending Out of Missionaries by the Church in Antioch to the Close of the 
Third Missionary Journey (except Lesson 14, which is introductory to the study of Paul's work). 
Part III of The History of the Apostolic Church, a.d. 44-58 (see Note 3). 

Lesson 14. The Training of Saul. From his Conversion to his First Mission- 
ary Journey. (Scattered References, About A,D. 35-45.) 



Xll 



Introduction. 



Lesson 15. Paul in Cyprus and in Antioch of Pisidia. The First Mission- 
ary Journey Begun. (Acts, ch. 13. About A.D. 45 or 46.) 

Lesson 16. Paul in Iconium, Lystra and Derbe. The First Missionary 
Journey Ended. (Acts, ch. 14. About A.D. 46-48.) 

Lesson 17. Peter and Paul in Jerusalem and in Antioch. Their Part in 
Freeing the Gentiles from the Jewish Law. (Acts 15 : 1-35 ; Gal., 
ch. 2. About A.D. 50 or 51.) 

LESSON 18. Paul in Troas and Philippi. The Second Missionary Journey 
Begun. (Acts 15 : 36—16 : 40. About A.D. 51.) 

Lesson 19. Paul in Thessalonica, Bergea and Athens. The Second Mis- 
sionary Journey Continued. (Acts, ch. 17 ; 1 Thes. 2 : 1-12. About 
A.D. 52.) 

Lesson 20. Paul's First Ministry in Corinth. The Second Missionary 
Journey Ended. (Acts 18 : 1-22 ; 1 Thes., ch. 3. About A.D. 52-54.) 

Lesson 21. Paul's Affection for the Thessalonians. His Longing to Re- 
visit them, and his Messages of Comfort. (Selections from 1 and 2 
Thessalonians. Written from Corinth, about A.D. 53.) 

Lesson 22. Paul's Anxiety for the Galatians. His Efforts to Save them 
from False Teachers. (Selections from Galatians. Written about 
A.D. 53 or 54 ; place uncertain.) 

Lesson 23. Paul's Great Success in Ephesus. The Third Missionary Journey 
Begun. (Acts 18 : 23—19 : 41. About A.D. 54-57.) 

Lesson 24. Paul's Plea for Christian Unity. His Efforts for Harmony in 
the Church at Corinth. ( 1 Cor. 1 : 10 — 3 : 17. Written from Ephesus, 
about A.D. 57.) 

Lesson 25. Paul's Estimate of Christian Love. Love Greater than All Gifts. 
(1 Cor., ch. 13.) 

Lesson 26. Review of Lessons 14-25. (End of Second Quarter.) 



Lesson 27. Paul Collecting Funds for the Poor in Jerusalem. His 
Second Tour in Macedonia and Greece. (Acts 20: 1-3^; 1 Cor. 16: 
1-4 ; 2 Cor., chs. 7-9. About A.D. 57.) 

Lesson 28. The Character of Paul's Ministry. His Message as God's 
Ambassador. (2 Cor. 4 : 16—6 : 10. Written from Macedonia, about 

A.D. 57.) 

LESSON 29. PAUL Glorying in the Lord. His Labors and Sufferings for 
Christ. (2 Cor. 11 : 21 — 12 : 13.) 

Lesson 30. Paul and the Church in Rome. His Desire to Establish them in 
the Gospel. (Rom. 1:1-15; 15:14-33. Written from Corinth, about 
A.D. 58.) 

Lesson 31. Paul's Doctrine of Grace. The Way of Salvation through Faith. 
(Rom. 1 : 16, 17 ; 3 : 21-26 ; 5 : 1-8.) 

Lesson 32. Paul's Final Return to Jerusalem. The Third Missionary Jour- 
ney Ended. (Acts 20 : 3^ — 21 : 16. About A.D. 58.) 



PART IV. 

THE CLOSING YEARS OF PAUL'S MINISTRY. 

Time. — From the Close of the Third Missionary Journey to the Death of Paul. 
The History of the Apostolic Church, a.d. 58-68 (see Note 3), 



Part IV of 



Abstract of Lessons in the Course. 



Xlll 



Lesson 33. 
Lesson 34. 

Lesson 35. 
Lesson 36. 
Lesson 37. 
Lesson 38. 

Lesson 39. 
Lesson 40. 
Lesson 41, 

Lesson 42. 

Lesson 43. 

Lesson 44. 

Lesson 45. 



Paul's Reception in Jerusalem. The Welcome of the Christians, 
and the Attack of the Jews. (Acts 21 : 17 — 22 : 22. About A.D. 58.) 

Paul Protected by his Roman Citizenship. His Hearing be- 
fore the Sanhedrin, and Transfer to Caesarea. (Acts 22:23 — 2 3 : 35- 
About A.I). 58.) 

Paul a Prisoner at C/ESAREA. His Two Roman Trials, and his 
Appeal to Caesar. (Acts 24 : 1 — 25 : 12. About A.D. 58-60.) 

Paul's Defense before Agrippa. Preaching the Gospel in Chains. 
(Acts 25 : 13 — 26 : 32. About A.D. 60.) 

Paul's Voyage and Shipwreck. His Adventures on the Way to 
Rome. (Acts 27 : 1 — 28 : 15. A.D. 60, 61.) 

Paul's First Roman Imprisonment. The Gospel Furthered by 
his Bonds. (Acts 28 : 16-31 ; Phil. 1 : 12-26. Written from prison, 
between A.D. 61 and 63.) 

Review of Lessons 27-38. (End of Third Quarter.) 



Paul and Onesimus. A Fugitive Slave Restored to his Master. 
(Philemon. Written between A.D. 61 and 63.) 

Paul's Joy over the Philippians. Exhortations to Humility and 
Unselfishness. (Selections from Philippians. Written between A.D. 
61 and 63.) 

Paul's Teachings Concerning the Supremacy of Christ. The 
Antidote to False Philosophy. (Selections from Ephesians and Colos- 
sians. Written between A.D. 58 and 63.) 

Paul's Final Work among the Churches. His Fourth Mission- 
ary Journey. (Selections from 1 Timothy and Titus. Written be- 
tween A.D. 64 and 68.) 

Paul's Review of his Life. His Gratitude for having been Called 
into Christ's Service. (Selections from Philippians, Ephesians and 
1 Timothy.) 

Paul's Last Words. His Second Roman Imprisonment, and Impend- 
ing Martyrdom. (2 Tim., ch. 4.) 

PART V. 



PETER AND JOHN IN THE LATTER HALF OF THE APOSTOLIC AGE. 

Part V of The History of the Apos- 



Time. — From the Death of Paul to the Death of John, 
tolic Church, a.d. 66-100 (see Note 3). 

Lesson 46. Peter's Consolations for those in Trial. A Living Hope and 
a Heavenly Inheritance. (1 Pet., ch. 1. Date uncertain.) 

Lesson 47. Peter's Exhortations to Patient Endurance. The Suffering 

Christ the Christian's Pattern. (1 Pet. 2 : 18—4 : 19.) 
Lesson 48. Peter's Last Words. Growing in Grace and Knowledge. (2 Pet., 

chs. i, 3. Date uncertain.) 
Lesson 49. John's Vision of Heaven. The Throne, and the Innumerable 

Multitude. (Rev. 4 : 1— 5 : 14; 7 : 9-17. Probably written about A.D. 68.) 
Lesson 50. John's Vision of the Holy City. Its Perfection and Eternal 

Glory. (Rev. 21 : 1 — 22:5.) 
Lesson 51. John's Last Words. His Testimony to the Person and Work of 

Christ. (Selections from 1 John. Written between A.D. 80 and 100.) 
Lesson 52. Review of Lessons 40-51. (End of the Course.) 



xiv Introduction. 

DIRECTIONS FOR STUDY. 



TO TEACHERS. 



§ i. Preparation. Teachers of this Grade will find it a great help to study the 
lessons in the Senior Grade also, in order to get a more comprehensive knowledge 
of the subject, especially of its practical bearings, than can be obtained from the 
Progressive Grade only. Every teacher, and all the older pupils, should have The 
Bible Study Manual which is an invaluable aid in preparing and teaching the 
lessons. 

§ 2. The Lesson Outline. This is the most important part of the lesson in this 
Grade. Its object is to fix in mind the principal facts in the lives of the Three Great 
Apostles. // cannot be taught properly without very close attention to the Writlen- 
answer Questions. Whoever fails in this misses one of the most characteristic 
features of these lessons. The answers to these questions should always be carefully 
written out at home by both teacher and scholars. In class the teacher should ask 
all these questions, so as to ascertain what answers the scholars have prepared for 
them. He should refer to the Bible for the correction of all mistakes, and should 
ask such supplementary oral questions as may be necessary to present the subject 
briefly but clearly. If teacher and class alike come with the answers carefully pre- 
pared and written out, this part of the lesson can be passed over very rapidly in 
class; indeed, it rarely ought to occupy more than fifteen or twenty minutes. 

§ 3. Lesson Teachings. The remainder of the time can be occupied with the 
other parts of the lesson, and especially with the practical application of some one 
or two of its principal truths. This part of the work affords the greatest oppor- 
tunity for independent work by the teacher. He may use the Lesson Teachings 
and Questions in the Quarterly, or may bring up others which he thinks more im- 
portant, or better still, may discuss such as are suggested by the class. The essential 
thing is not that you discuss all the practical truths in the lesson, that is impossible, 
but that you discuss and apply those particular truths which are most useful for your 
class. 

§4. In a word: Seek (1), by means of the Written-answer Questions, and such 
oral questions as may be necessary, to present to the class a clear outline of the Scrip- 
ture material of the lesson, and then (2) to press on their attention one or two of 
the more important truths found in it. 

TO SCHOLARS. 

§ 5. Write answers to all questions having space left under them for that purpose ; 
study the others carefully so as to be able to answer them orally. Do a portion of 
the work each day. Read and study -thoughtfully. Jot down all questions on 
which you would like information, and bring them up in. class. Study to learn. 
Always bring your Bible to class. 

CLASS FLEDGE. 

As a member of class, I promise to 

study each lesson faithfully, especially to write answers to all questions 
having space left under them for that purpose, and to do all that I can 
to make the lesson recitations and discussions interesting and helpful 
to the class. 

Signed, 

T. G. A. Prog.] 



LESSONS 

ON 

THE THREE GREAT APOSTLES 

PETER, PAUL, AND JOHN 

IN FIVE PARTS 



PROGRESSIVE GRADE 



PART I. 

THE TRAINING OF PETER AND JOHN, AND THE BEGINNING OF 
THEIR WORK IN JERUSALEM. 

Time. — From their First Interview with Jesus to the Death of Stephen. Covering our Lord's 
Ministry, and Part I of The History of the Apostolic Church, a.d. 26-34 (see Note 3, Abstract 
of Lessons, in Introduction). 

Note 1. — The Place of Peter, Paul and John in the History of the 
Church. The three men to whom, next to our Lord Himself, the establishment and 
extension of Christianity was most largely due, were the Apostles, Peter, Paul, and 
John. Of these, Peter appears most prominently in connection with the founding of 
the church in Palestine ; Paul, in the extension of Christianity through the Roman 
Empire and in freeing it from its early bondage to Jewish forms ; and John, in protect- 
ing the churches of the latter part of the first century from destruction through false 
doctrines. John was the last personal witness to Christ, and from the martyrdom of 
Peter and Paul, about A. I). 68, until his death, probably between A.D. 90 and 100, he 
was the man of greatest influence in the church. 

In later centuries Peter's exalted place in the church has been largely due to ecclesi- 
astical assumptions based on the alleged authority of his name ; Paul has exerted a 
living and imperishable influence because of his development of the doctrinal side of 
the work of Christ in its relation to the redemption of the human race ; while John's 
highly spiritual apprehension of the person and work of Christ evermore retains its 
hold on the heart and life of the Christian world. 

Subtract from the New Testament the writings that proceeded directly from these 
men, together with the Gospels of Mark and Luke which were undoubtedly produced 
under the influence of Peter and Paul respectively, and we have left only the Gospel 
of Matthew, the Epistles of James and of Jude, and the Epistle to the Hebrews; of 
these, Jude may have been produced more or less directly under the influence of Peter, 
and Hebrews under that of Paul. 

Had the work of Christ after His ascension been left without these divinely appointed 
and equipped leaders, Christianity would, humanly speaking, never have overstepped 

I 



2 Outline Bible Studies : Pr $gZdt' 

the boundaries of a Jewish sect, nor outlived the limits of the first century. Next to 
Christ, these men were the foundation of the Christian church. 

Note 2.— Characteristics of Part I. Of the three men whose lives form the 
basis of the present Course of study, two, Peter and John, accompanied our Lord 
during His entire earthly ministry. During this time they received from Him the 
training which qualified them to take up His work and prosecute it after His ascension ; 
but they became fully equipped for their apostolic mission only when, according to 
Christ's promise, they had received the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. The 
preaching of Peter at that time marked the commencement of the apostolic church, 
which thenceforward continued to expand. Both within and without the Christian 
community in Jerusalem, Peter was the acknowledged leader. In this leadership, 
John, though acting a less conspicuous part, seems to have been closely associated. 



Lesson 1. THE CALL OF PETER AND JOHN. From 

their First Interview with Jesus to the 

Choice of the Twelve. 

Jo. i : 35-42; Lu. 5: i-ii; Mk. i : 16-20; 3: 13-19(2, and scattered references. 

a.d. 27, 28. 

Note 3. — Peter and John were among the first to become Christ's followers. Of 
their previous life — their nativity, family connections, and occupation — nothing is 
known except what little appears incidentally in the Gospels. In their relation to 
Christ's service there were three clearly marked steps of progress : (1) Their acceptance 
of Jesus as the Messiah when He was first announced as such by John the Baptist, 
about the beginning of A.D. 27; (2) their quick response to His call to leave all and 
follow Him, which occurred during the spring of A.D. 28; and (3) their appointment 
as Apostles, which took place during the following summer. Our lesson includes all 
these events under the general title of their Call. 

GOLDEN TEXT : " Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I 
will make you to become fishers of men." (Mk. 1 : 17.) 

SCRIPTURE, to be read in school or class : Luke 5:1-11. 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS. 

,, T First Interview of John and Peter with 

Monday Jo. 1 : 19-42. j esug> J 

rj, ( Lu. 5:1-11; \ Peter and John Called to be Fishers of 

1UESDAY \ Mk. 1 : 14-20. J Men. 

Wednesday Mk. 1 : 21-34. Peter's Home in Capernaum. 

Thursday Mk. 3 : 1-19. Peter and John Called to be Apostles. 

Friday Ex., ch. 3. The Call of Moses. 

Saturday .Is., ch. 6. The Call of Isaiah. 

Sunday Jer., ch. 1. The Call of Jeremiah. 



L " so one. The Three Great Apostles. 3 

PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS ON THE COURSE. 

(For the answers to these questions, see Notes 1-4, Abstract of Course, in Introduction, and 
Lesson Notes 1 and 2, above.) 

i. What is the title of this Course of lessons? 2. What is the object 
of the Course? 3. Into how many Parts is the Course divided, and what 
are they? 4. How is the Scripture material in these lessons treated? 5. 
State briefly the personal relations of Peter, Paul and John to the apos- 
tolic church. 6. What has been their subsequent influence? 7. What is 
their relation to the writings of the New Testament? 8. Where did Peter 
and John receive their training and equipment for their future work? 9. 
Whence do we gather what we know of the early life of these men? 
10. What is the title of this lesson? its Golden Text? 

THE LESSON OUTLINE, WITH WRITTEN-ANSWER QUESTIONS, 

Note 4. — The Lesson Outline is designed to present a general view of the facts on 
which the lesson is based. // should be studied carefully at koine, and passed over 
rapidly in class. Teacher and class will then have before them a common fund of 
information on which to base practical questions and discussions (see Directions for 
Study, in Introduction). Particular attention is called to the Explanatory Notes in 
the Appendix. Do a portion of the work each day. 

Peter and John as Galilean Fishermen. 

1. By what names was Peter known, and what was the meaning of each? 
Mk. 1 : 16, comp. Acts 15 : 14. 

Jo. 1:42. 

Mk. 3: 16. 

Mt. 16: 16 (and John's Gospel throughout). 

2. What is known of his family? 
Mt. 16: 17, comp. Jo. 21 : 15, etc. 

Mk. 1 : 16. 

Mk. 1 : 30. 

3. What place appears to have been his early home? (Jo. 1 : 44.) 



4. Where did he afterwards reside? (Mk. 1 :2I, 29.) 



4 Outline Bible Studies : ^cfrlTe™ 

5. What was his occupation? (Mk. 1 : 16.) 



6. What is suggested in Mk. 1 129 as to his worldly possessions? (See 
Expl. Note, in App.) 



7. Who were the father, mother and brother of John? 
Mk. 1 : 19. 

Mt. 27 : 56 (see Expl. Note), comp. Mk. 15 : 40. 

Mt. 10: 2. 

8. What may be inferred as to his circumstances in life? (Mk. 1:20 
(see Expl. Note) ; Lu. 8 : 2, 3 ; Jo. 19 : 27.) 



9. What had been the educational advantages of Peter and John? 
(Acts 4: 13.) 



Peter and John Become Followers of Jesus. 

10. How were Peter and John specially prepared to become followers of 
Jesus? (Mt. 3 : 1-6 ; Jo. 1 : 29.) 



11. State briefly the circumstances under which they first accepted Him 
as the Messiah. (Jo. 1 : 35-42.) 

12. Where did they probably accompany Jesus after He departed from 
the Jordan? Write the names of the places visited in order. (Jo. 1 : 43 ; 
2: 1, 2, 12, 13, 17; 3:22; 4; 1-5,43-) 



13. What miracle was connected with their call to leave all and follow 
Christ? (Lu. 5:1-7.) 



14. How did Peter express the impression made upon him by this 
miracle? (Lu. 5 :8, 9.) 



Ltsson 



q„^ The Three Great Apostles. 5 

15. What did Jesus then say to Peter and John and their two brethren? 
(Lu. 5 : \ob\ Mk. 1 : 16, 17, 19, 10a.) 



16. What did Jesus mean by the expression "fishers of men"? To 
whom does this term now apply? 

17. How did these men respond to the call of Jesus? (Mk. 1 : 18, 20b \ 
Lu. 5 : n.) 



18. What miracle was afterwards wrought at Peter's house in Caper- 
naum? (Mk. 1 : 29-31.) 



19. Describe the appointment of Peter and John to be Apostles. (Mk. 
3 : I3-IO/I ; Lu. 6: 12-16.) 

20. State briefly the steps of progress by which the fishermen Peter and 
John came into apostleship. 



LESSON TEACHINGS, WITH QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 

21. Who was the means of bringing Peter to Jesus (Jo. 1:40, 41)? 
What has been the influence on the world of that hour's work? What is 
the duty of all who have themselves found Christ? What would be the 
result if all Christians were faithful in this work? 

22. Whose disciples had Peter and John been before they met Jesus 
(Jo. 1 : 35)? What did acceptance of Jesus as the Messiah involve on 
their part? What does personal acceptance of Him involve on our part? 

23. What did Peter and John afterwards give up in order to follow Christ 
(Lu. 5 : 11) ? How did their conduct differ from that of some others who 
received a similar call (Lu. 9 : 59, 60 ; Mk. 10 : 17-22) ? 

24. What did following Christ mean to the first disciples? What does 
it mean to us now ? 

TOPICS FOR SPECIAL INVESTIGATION AND THOUGHT. 

(See Library Extracts in The Bible Study Manual.) 

I. The probable early life and training of Peter and John. 2. Their 
discipleship to John the Baptist (Jo. 1 : 35) as a preparation for disciple- 
ship to Christ. 3. Their probable idea of Jesus and His work when they 
first met Him (Jo. 1:41). 4. Why Jesus changed Simon's name to 
Peter. 5. The significance to Peter and John of the miraculous draught 
of fishes. 



6 Outline Bible Studies : Pr <gZZ*' 

Lesson 2. THE TRAINING OF PETER AND JOHN. 

From the Choice of the Twelve to the Night 

in Gethsemane. 

Mt. 14:24-33; 16:13-23; Mk. 10 : 28-40; Lu. 9:49-56; Jo. 13:5-26, and 
scattered references, a.d. 28-30. 

Note 5. — The appointment of the Apostles involved the necessity of their careful 
training for the work before them. They needed to be taught the principles of the 
kingdom of God, and the nature of the Messiah's work on earth. This training they 
received during the whole period of their companionship with Jesus, but especially 
during the year and a half that intervened between the establishment of the apostolate 
and the crucifixion. 

In addition to the training which Peter and John received in common with the other 
Apostles, they received much that was more or less personal. This included Peter's 
lessons of faith when walking on the sea, of commendation when he made his great 
confession, and of reproof when he presumed to rebuke Jesus. It also included Jesus' 
rebukes of John for the exclusive and vindictive spirit which he manifested at different 
times, and for the selfish ambition of himself and his brother James. Our Lord's 
high regard for Peter and John was shown by His including them among the very few 
witnesses of some of the most remarkable events in His ministry. 

This lesson deals mainly with some of the more prominent of our Lord's personal 
instructions to these two disciples. 

GOLDEN TEXT : " If any man would come after me, let him deny 
himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." (Mt. 16 : 24.) 

SCRIPTURE, to be read in school or class : Mt. 16: 13-28. 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS. 

Monday Mt. 14 : 22-33. Peter Walking on the Sea. 

Tuesday Mt. 16 : 13-23. Peter Commended and Rebuked. 

Wednesday. . . . Mt. 17 : 1-13. Peter and John at the Transfiguration. 

T J Mt. 17 : 24-27. Peter and the Tribute Money. 

1 HURSDAY. . . I Mt< r g . 21-35. Peter's Question about Forgiveness. 

p, f Lu. 9 : 49-56. John's Vindictive Temper Rebuked. 

FRIDAY ..... I Mk> IQ . 35 _ 45# John's Ambition Reproved. 

Saturday Lu. 22 : 1-13. Peter and John Preparing the Last Passover. 

Sunday Jo. 13 : 1-30. Peter and John at the Last Passover. 

REVIEW AND PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS. 

i. What is the title of this Course of lessons? 2. How were these 
three men related to the early progress of Christianity? 3. How were 
they related to the New Testament writings? 4. By what several names 
was Peter designated? 5. What is known of Peter's life before he 
became a follower of Christ? 6. What is known of John? 7. When did 
these two first meet Jesus? 8. When were they called to His exclusive 
service? 9. When were they appointed Apostles? 10. What is the title 
of this lesson? its Golden Text? 



LesS Tw0. The Three Great Apostles. y 

THE LESSON OUTLINE, WITH WRITTEN-ANSWEK QUESTIONS. 

(See Directions for Study, in Introduction, and Note 4, Lesson 1.) 
Personal Instruction of Peter. 

Note 6. — In studying and teaching this lesson it should be borne in mind that the 
various incidents referred to are introduced not for their general characteristics, but 
as illustrating certain specific points \ and that they are treated with reference to these 
points only, and not with reference to their numerous other bearings however interest- 
ing those may be. 

i. Relate the incident whereby Peter was impressively taught the power 
of faith. (Mt. 14: 24-33.) 



2. What great confession did Peter make concerning Christ? (Mt. 16 
13-16.) 



3. How had this truth been made known to Peter? (Mt. 16: 17.) 



4. What promises did Jesus thereupon give him? 
Mt. 16: 18. 



Mt. 16: 19. 



5. How did Peter shortly afterward incur his Master's severe displeas- 
ure? (Mt. 16: 21-23.) 



6. What was he taught in respect "to paying the temple tax? (Mt. 17 
24-27.) 



7. What, as to the spirit of forgiveness? (Mt. 18 : 21, 22.) 

8. What, as to the rewards in Christ's service? (Mk. 10: 28-30.) 

9. What, as to humility? (Jo. 13 : 5-10.) 



8 Outline Bible Studies : Pr °G g rad^ e 

Personal Instruction of John. 

10. How did Jesus reprove a spirit of exclusiveness in John? (Lu. 9: 
49, 50.) 

11. How did Jesus rebuke him for a vindictive spirit? (Lu. 9: 51-55.) 

12. How did He put his selfish ambition to the test? (Mk. 10 : 35-38.) 

13. How did He reprove him for his self-confidence? (Mk. 10 : 39, 40.) 

Instructions to Peter and John Together. 

14. On what four memorable occasions were Peter and John given 
special opportunity for a better knowledge of our Lord ? 

Mk. 5 : 35-43. 

Mk. 9 : 2-8. 

Mk. 13 : 3-37, comp. Mt., chs. 24, 25. 

Mk. 14: 32-42. 



15. What responsibility was laid on Peter and John in connection with 
the last Passover? (Lu. 22: 7-13.) 



16. What conversation between them and Jesus occurred at the Pass- 
over table? (Jo. 13:21-26.) 



LESSON TEACHINGS, WITH QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 

17. What do you infer from this lesson as to the natural characteristics 
of Peter? of John? What evidence is there of Christ's special regard for 
them (Mt. 16:17-19; Jo. 13:23)? 



LesS Three. The Three Great Apostles. Q 

18. What great lesson is here taught concerning faith (Mt. 14: 28-31)? 
In what respect was the faith here spoken of similar to that faith which is 
necessary to salvation? In what respects was it different? 

19. What lesson is here taught concerning a spirit of forgiveness (Mt. 
18 : 21, 22) ? How important did Christ regard this spirit (Mt. 18 : 32, 35 ; 
6 : 14, 15) ? Why is this spirit of such importance? 

20. What lesson in toleration is here taught (Lu. 9: 49, 50, comp. Mk. 
9:38-40)? How does this teaching compare with that in Mt. 12:30? 
Why is intolerance so common? Why is toleration so commendable? 

TOPICS FOR SPECIAL INVESTIGATION AND THOUGHT. 

I. The meaning of the promise "upon this rock I will build my 
church." 2. The meaning of the promise concerning " the keys of the 
kingdom of heaven. 1 ' 3. The lessons of the transfiguration to Peter and 
John. 4. Peter's training in humility at the last Passover. 5. Whether 
the spirit of love in John was natural or acquired. 



Lesson 3. PETER'S FALL AND JOHN'S STEAD- 
FASTNESS. From the Night in Gethsemane 
to the Ascension. 

Mt. 26:69-75; Lu - 22:31-34; Jo. 13:36-38; 18:1-27; 19:23-37; 21:1-24, 
and scattered references, a.d. 30. 

Note 7. — During the latter part of Christ's stay on earth Peter and John appear 
much more frequently than any of the other disciples. At the last supper Jesus 
warned Peter of his approaching fall, but Peter vehemently asserted his faithfulness. 
When Jesus was betrayed in the garden, Peter, as if eager to prove his unfaltering 
devotion to Christ, offered violent but useless resistance to his Lord's enemies. As 
Jesus was led away, a prisoner, all the disciples fled. John, however, quickly regained 
his courage, and with apparently no effort to conceal his regard for Jesus, boldly 
entered with Him into the palace of the high priest, and witnessed His trial. 
Meanwhile Peter, who had followed afar off, was at John's request admitted to the 
courtyard, where he was charged with being a disciple of Jesus. Overcome with terror 
at the peril in which he regarded himself, he three times denied that he knew Him. 
A look from Jesus, however, recalled Peter to his true self, and he went out and wept 
bitterly. 

John's boldness at the trial of Jesus was followed by his similar bravery at the cruci- 
fixion. He stood at the foot of the cross, an open friend to Jesus, and there received 
our Lord's dying charge to care for His mother. Peter and John were the first of the 
disciples to visit the empty tomb of the risen Lord ; and one of the earliest appear- 
ances of the Christ was to the broken-hearted Peter. Doubtless this tender and sol- 
emn interview brought the assurance of forgiveness to the erring disciple. 

One of the most remarkable of the subsequent appearances of Jesus occurred on 
the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Here Peter, after repeated protestations of love for 
his Lord, was restored to his apostleship in the presence of his brethren. 



10 



Outline Bible Studies : 



Progressive 
Grade. 



GOLDEN TEXT: "Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of John, 
lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou 
knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs." (Jo. 
21:15.) 

SCRIPTURE, to be read in school or class: Jo. 21:1-19. 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS. 

Monday Jo. 18 : 1-14. Peter and John al the Arfest of Jesus. 

Tuesday. j ^ ^VjjT^ } Peter's Denial of Jesus. 

Wednesday Jo. 19 : 23-37. The Mother of Jesus Committed to John. 

T f Mk. 16: 1-11. The Angel's Message to Peter, 
\ Jo. 20 : 1-10. Peter and John at the Tomb. 

Friday I i^Cor* i?~i-S } The A PP earance of Christ to Peter - 

Saturday Jo. 21 : 1-14. The Miraculous Draught of Fishes. 

Sunday Jo. 21 : 15-24. The Restoration of Peter. 

REVIEW AND PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS. 

I. On what special occasion was Peter's faith tried and strengthened? 
2. How did he declare his faith in Jesus? 3. What did he do that brought 
upon him the severe reproof of Christ? 4. What was he taught as to the 
spirit of forgiveness? 5. How did John show an intolerant spirit? 6. 
How did he and his brother show their ambition? 7. On what occasions 
were Peter and John shown special favor by their Master? 8. Which of 
the disciples appear most frequently during the latter part of Christ's stay 
on earth (Note 7)? 9. What is the title of this lesson? its Golden 
Text? 

THE LESSON OUTLINE, WITH WRITTEN- ANSWER QUESTIONS. 

(See Directions for Study, in Introduction, and Note 4, Lesson 1.) 

Peter and John with the Suffering Christ. 

1. What warning did Christ give Peter at the last supper? (Jo. 13 : 37, 
38, comp. Mk. 14: 29-31.) 



2. How did Peter rashly attempt to defend Jesus when He was about 
to be arrested? (Jo. 18 : 10, 11.) 



3. What did Peter and John do after Jesus had been led into the high 
priest's house? (Jo. 18: 15, 16, comp. Mt. 26: 58.) 



L " s Three. The Three Great Apostles. II 

4. What occurred while Jesus was being tried before the Sanhedrin? 
(Mt. 26: 69-74^.) 



5. How was Peter affected as soon as he was brought to realize what he 
had done? (Mt. 26: 74^, 75, comp. Lu. 22 : 60^-62.) 



6. To what had Jesus already attributed the fall of Peter ? (Lu. 22:31.) 



7. To what was it due that Peter did not wholly fall away? (Lu. 
22: 32a.) 



8. What charge did our Lord give to Peter in this connection? (Lu. 
22:32^.) 



9. How did Jesus on the cross reward John for his courage and fidelity? 
(Jo. 19:25-27.) 



Peter and John with the Risen Christ. 

10. What did Peter and John do when told that the body of Jesus had 
been removed from the tomb? (Jo. 20: 1-10.) 



11. How did our Lord, after His resurrection, show His tender interest 
in Peter? 



Mk. 16:7. 

Lu. 24: 34; 1 Cor. 15 : 5. 



12. State briefly the circumstances under which Jesus revealed Him- 
self at the Sea of Galilee to Peter and John and five others. (Jo. 
21:1-14.) 



12 Outline Bible Studies : Pr ri7Jf Je 



Grade. 



13. Repeat the substance of the conversation that occurred between 
Christ and Peter. (Jo. 21 : 15-17.) 



14. Of what boastful utterance would the Lord's questions remind 
Peter? (Mt. 26:33.) 



15. What did Jesus intimate as to Peter's future experiences? (To. 21 : 
18, 19.) 



16. What conversation occurred in respect to John? (Jo. 21 : 20-22.) 



17. What misconception of Christ's words, prevalent in John's old age, 
did he correct in this Gospel? (Jo. 21 : 23.) 



LESSON TEACHINGS, WITH QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 

18. Why did Peter deny Christ? How may He be denied now? What 
does our Lord say of those who deny Him (Mt. 10 : 32, ^3) ? 

19. Why was Peter forgiven (Lu. 22:62)? What is promised to all 
who are truly penitent (1 Jo. 1:9)? How did Christ describe His mis- 
sion to earth (Lu. 5 : 32) ? Why is repentance necessary to forgiveness? 

20. How did John show his love for Christ during His trial and cruci- 
fixion (Jo. 18: 15; 19:26, 35)? Why was John's conduct at this time 
probably a great comfort to our Lord ? How may we become most pleas- 
ing to Him ? 

TOPICS FOR SPECIAL INVESTIGATION AND THOUGHT. 

i. The effect on Peter's future character of his denial of Christ. 2. The 
effect on John of his love of Christ as witnessed at the trial and crucifixion. 
3. John's future life in Jerusalem as affected by the charge given him of 
Mary the mother of Christ. 4. The significance of the second miraculous 
draught of fishes. 5. The motive underlying Peter's question when he 
saw John following. 6. John's possible purpose in adding chapter 21 as 
an appendix to his Gospel. 



LesS Four. The Three Great Apostles. IJ 

Lesson 4. PETER'S LEADERSHIP IN THE 3HURCH. 

The Choice of a Now Apostlo, and the Day 

of Pontecoct. 

Acts, chs. i, 2. A.D. 30. 

Note 8. — Soon after the risen Lord had restored Peter to his apostleship. th: 
disciples returned from Galilee to Jerusalem where they witnessed the ascension of 
Christ from the Mount of Olives. Ten days of prayerful waiting intervened between 
this event and the sending of the promised power from on high. It was during this 
time that Peter's leadership first appeared, for it was at his suggestion and under his 
influence that the assembled brethren chose a new Apostle to take the place of 
Judas. 

At length the day of Pentecost arrived. With mighty power and great miracles the 
Holy Spirit came down upon all the disciples. Multitudes gathered about them. 
Peter's old rashness and timidity were transformed by the Spirit into calm and holy 
boldness. In an address of extraordinary insight and power he explained these 
miracles as proofs of the resurrection and Messiahship of Jesus, and called on his 
hearers to repent and be baptized. Many believed, and that day three thousand were 
added to the number of the brethren. Thus Peter's leadership in the early church be- 
came fully established. 

GOLDEN TEXT : " Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the 
name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins ; and ye shall receive 
the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2 : 38.) 

SCRIPTURE, to be read in school or class: Acts 2:29-42. 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS. 

Monday Acts 1 : 1-14. The Ascension and the Waiting in Jerusalem. 

Tuesday Acts 1 : 15-26. Peter's Leadership in the Election of Matthias. 

WEDNESDAY Acts 2 : 1-13. The Descent of the Holy Spirit. 

Thursday Acts 2 : 14-36. The Address of Peter. 

Friday I Acts 2 : 37~4 2, ^ ^ e Effect of Peter's Address. 

' ' \ Acts 2 : 43-47. The Unity and Growth of the Church. 

Saturday Joel 2 : 18-32. An Old Testament Promise of the Spirit. 

Sunday Jo. 16 : 1-15. Christ's Promise of the Spirit. 

REVIEW AND PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS. 

I. Of what rash act was Peter guilty at the arrest of Jesus? 2. What 
motives, apparently, led him to deny Christ? 3. Why was John not 
assailed by the same temptation as Peter? 4. How was his steadfastness 
rewarded as he stood beside the cross? 5. What suggests the readiness 
of the risen Christ to forgive Peter? 6. How was Peter reinstated in his 
apostleship? 7. Why was Peter grieved when Jesus asked the third 
time, " Lovest thou me? " 8. What is the title of this lesson? its Golden 
text? 



14 Outline Bible Studies : Progressive 

T Grade. 

THE LESSON OUTLINE, WITH WRITTEN-ANSWER QUESTIONS. 

(See Directions for Study, in Introduction, and Note 4, Lesson 1 ) 

Peter at the Election ~>f a New Apostle. Acts, ch. 1. 

I. How did the disciplec spend the ten days immediately following the 
ascension of Christ? (Acts 1 : 12-14.) 



2. During this time what did Peter say ought to be done? (vss. 
15-22.) 



3. What action did the brethren take concerning this? (vss. 23-26.) 



4. What did their unhesitating acquiescence in Peter's suggestion prove 
as to his position among the disciples ? 



5. What is proved by the fact that the appointment of a new Apostle 
was not made by Peter himself? 



Peter on the Day of Pentecost. Acts, ch. 2. 

6. Describe the distinguishing event of the day of Pentecost. (Acts 
2: 1-40.) 

7. What miracle occurred in connection with it? (vss. 4^-12.) 



8. What malignant charge did Peter refute at the opening of his 
address? (vss. 13-15.) 



9. Of what did he say that these events were a fulfilment? (vss. 
16-21.) 



10. What great fact did he affirm concerning Jesus of Nazareth whom 
the Jews had slain? (vss. 22-24.) 



less °Four. The Three Great Apostles. 13 

11. To what prophecy of this resurrection did he refer? (vss. 25-28.) 



12. How did he show that David did not speak these words of himself, 
but of the Messiah? (vss. 29-31.) 



13. Whom, then, did he declare to be the Author of these wonderful 
events? (vss. 32, ^3-) 



14. What did he say that this proved concerning Jesus of Nazareth? 
(vs. 36.) 



15. What did he urge upon his hearers in view of their alarm? (vss. 
37-4o.) 



16. What was the effect of this address? (vss. 41, 42.) 



LESSON TEACHINGS, WITH QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 

17. What was our Lord's last promise to His disciples (Lu. 24:49; 
Acts 1 : 5, 8) ? When and how was this fulfilled? How is the promise of 
the Holy Spirit fulfilled to us now (Rom. 5:5; 8 : 14-17 ; Gal. 5 : 22) ? 

18. How did the followers of Christ prepare themselves for the out" 
pouring of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1 : 14) ? What can we do to promote a 
revival of religion? Where does such a revival naturally begin? 

19. What great truths concerning Christ are taught in this lesson? 
What, concerning the way of salvation? 

20. What is shown in this lesson as to the position of Peter in the early 
church? How did he come into this position? 

TOPICS FOR SPECIAL INVESTIGATION AND THOUGHT. 

i. Whether the election of a new Apostle at the suggestion of Peter 
was a precipitate transaction, wherein the Apostles acted without divine 
authority, or whether this place had been reserved by the Lord for Paul. 
2. Whether the Apostles ever used this gift of speaking " with other 
ongues " in their future work. 3. The sense in which Peter regarded the 
prophecy quoted in Acts 2 : 19, 20 as fulfilled in the events of the day of 
Pentecost. 4. The argument in Peters address. 5. The address of 
Peter as an example of the apostolic teaching. 



i6 Outline Bible Studies : ^cSSS?' 

Lesson 5. PETER AND JOHN IN THE TEMPLE. The 

Healing of the Lame Man, and the Discourse 

in Solomon's Porch. 

Acts, ch. 3. About a.d. 31. 

Note 9. — The miracle of the healing of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate of the 
temple was one of the "many wonders and signs" wrought by the Apostles after the 
day of Pentecost (Acts 2 : 43). That some time had elapsed, perhaps several months, 
is indicated by the rapid and yet peaceful development of the church in Jerusalem 
(Acts 2 : 47) . A considerable period must have been required for the church to see 
the full meaning of the outpouring of the Spirit, and to reap the spiritual harvest so 
suddenly ripened. Probably this particular miracle was related because the address 
of Peter in connection with it occasioned the beginning of opposition to the church by 
the Jewish authorities. 

Peter's address at this time was strikingly different from that on the day of Pente- 
cost. It began with a description of the awful wickedness of the Jewish people in 
demanding from Pilate the crucifixion of the Holy and Righteous One, and asking for 
the liberation of a murderer. This Prince of life whom they had killed had been raised 
from the dead by the power of God, and to this fact the Apostles were witnesses. Not 
by the power of the Apostles, but by that of this risen Messiah, who had been pre- 
dicted by the prophets, had this miracle occurred. Because the Jews had committed 
this fearful crime in ignorance, forgiveness might be obtained, but only on condition 
of immediate repentance. Otherwise they would be destroyed when Jesus, now ex- 
alted in heaven, would come again to judge His enemies, and to set up His Messianic 
kingdom. 

GOLDEN TEXT: " Repent ye therefore, and turn again, that your 
sins may be blotted out." (Acts 3 : ig«.) 

SCRIPTURE, to be read in school or class : Acts 3 : 1-16. 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS. 

Monday Acts 3 : 1-10. The Miracle at the Beautiful Gate. 

Tuesday Acts 3 : 1 1-26. Peter's Address in the Temple. 

Wednesday ...Mt. 10: 1— 15. The Disciples Given Power to Heal. 

Thursday Gen. 12: 1-3; ch. 15. The Messianic Promise to Abraham. 

Friday Deut. 18 : 9-22. The Prophet Greater than Moses. 

Saturday Is. 52: 13 — 53: 12. The Sufferings of the Messiah. 

Sunday Mai. 2 : 1 7 — 3 : 6. The Messianic Judgment. 

REVIEW AND PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS. 

I. How did Peter immediately after Christ's ascension assume leader- 
ship among the disciples? 2. What shows that this leadership was moral 
rather than official? 3. What great events distinguished the day of Pen- 
tecost? 4. How did Peter explain these wonderful manifestations? 5. 
In his address to the people what did he prove concerning Jesus of Naza- 
reth? 6. What was the first effect upon his hearers? 7. What did he 



UsS Five. The Three Great Apostles. 17 

urge them to do? 8. What results followed Peter's sermon? 9. What 
is the title of this lesson? its Golden Text? 

THE LESSON OUTLINE, WITH WRITTEN-ANSWER QUESTIONS. 

The Healing of the Lame Man. Acts 3 : 1-10. 
1 . What request did Peter and John receive one day at the Beautiful 
Gate of the temple ? (Acts 3 : 1-3.) 



2. How did Peter arrest the attention of the lame beggar? (vss. 4, 5.) 

3. What did he say to him? (vs. 6.) 

4. What followed? (vss. 7, 8.) 



5. What impression did this miracle make on the people? (vss. 
9, 10.) 



6. Why was this miracle an important turning-point in the apostolic 
history? (Note 9.) 

7. What indicates that it must have occurred a considerable time after 
Pentecost? (Note 9.) 



Peter's Address in the Temple. Acts 3 : 11-26. 
8. What did Peter disclaim at the outset of his address? (Acts 3 : 12.) 



9. What was God's purpose in this miracle? (vs. 130.) 



10. What fearful crime did Peter boldly charge upon his hearers? (vss. 
13^-15^.) 



1. To what great fact were the Apostles witnesses? (vss. 15b, c.) 



1 8 Outline Bible Studies : Pro r g L es /J ve 



Grade. 



12. What was the means by which this lame man had been healed? 
(vs. 16.) 



13. What circumstance palliated, though it did not excuse, the guilt of 
Peter's hearers and their rulers? (vs. 17.) 



14. How had God caused their sin to work out His purpose? (vs. 18.) 

15. What did Peter exhort his hearers to do? (vs. 19a.) 



16. What three results would follow if Peter's exhortations were obeyed? 
(vss. 19A c, 20.) 



17. What, if they were not obeyed? (vs. 23.) 



LESSON TEACHINGS, WITH QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 

18. What did Peter and John have that was better than silver or gold? 
In work for the good of others what can we give that is better than 
money? Why is it so difficult for the happy and well-to-do to bring them- 
selves into loving sympathy with the poor and wretched? 

19. How does the Gospel teach us to regard the distress and sufferings 
of other men (Luke 10 : 30-37) ? What great motive should inspire us to 
assist as far as we can in relieving suffering (Mt. 25 : 34-40) ? 

20. What does the "name" of Christ stand for ? What is meant by 
such expressions as "faith in his name," "to call on the name," etc.? 
What is it for us to have faith in Christ ? 

TOPICS FOR SPECIAL INVESTIGATION AND THOUGHT. 

I. How Christianity differs from other religions in relation to the relief 
of human suffering. 2. What Christianity does for the relief of human 
suffering. 3. The terms used to designate our Lord in Peter's second 
address, and their significance. 4. What the "name" stands for in the 
Old and New Testaments. 5. The witness of Moses to Christ. 6. The 
advantages of a good ancestry (Acts 3 : 25, 26). 



Less s" x . The Three Great Apostles. ig 

Lesson 6. PETER AND JOHN IN PRISON. Their 
Boldness before the Jewish Rulers. 

Acts 4: I-31. About a.d. 31. 
Note 10. — The fact that the rapid growth of the church had not already aroused 
the Jewish rulers in Jerusalem to active opposition to the believers may have been 
due to two reasons : First, the believers conducted themselves in all respects as pious 
Jews, who apparently differed from the rest of the nation only in their belief that Jesus 
of Nazareth was the Messiah. So long as they kept the peace no special reason ap- 
peared why they should be disturbed any more than the followers of the many others 
who had put forth Messianic claims. But, secondly, the rulers, having crucified the 
Nazarene, hoped no doubt that this entire movement was only an outburst of fanaticism 
that would quickly expend its force if let alone. Peter's public denunciation of them 
as the murderers of the heaven-sent Messiah, and the manifest favor of his bold words 
with the thronging multitudes, alarmed the Sanhedrin. Peter and John were arrested 
as leaders and dragged to prison. At the hearing, which followed the next day, the 
attempt of the rulers to threaten them into silence was defeated by their boldness in 
refusing to obey men rather than God. Their triumphant departure from the court 
and safe return to the church caused great joy and thanksgiving in the hearts of all 
the brethren. 

GOLDEN TEXT: " In none other is there salvation: for neither is 
there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, wherein 
we must be saved." (Acts 4 : 12.) 

SCRIPTURE, to be read in school or class : Acts 4: 1-12. 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS. 

Monday Acts 4 : 1-12. Peter and John Arrested and Arraigned. 

Tuesday Acts 4 : 13-22. Peter and John Threatened and Dismissed. 

Wednesday. . .Acts 4 : 23-31. The Return of Peter and John to the Church. 

Thursday Is. 28 : 14-22. The Foundation Stone Laid in Zion. 

Friday Ps. 118: 14-29. The Stone Rejected by the Builders. 

Saturday 1 Cor. 15 : 1-19. The Fundamental Truth of Christianity. 

Sunday Psalm 2. The Vanity of Counseling against the Lord. 

REVIEW AND PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS. 

I. Describe the miracle that was wrought by Peter and John at the 
Beautiful Gate of the temple. 2. In whose name was it wrought? 
3. How did it impress the people? 4. What did Peter do when the 
wondering looks of the multitude were turned toward himself and John? 
5. How did he explain this miracle? 6. What crime did he charge upon 
his hearers? 7. What did he urge them to do? 8. What would follow if 
they obeyed? 9. What is the title of this lesson? its Golden Text? 

THE LESSON OUTLINE, WITH WRITTEN-ANSWER QUESTIONS. 

Peter and John Examined before the Council. Acts 4: 1-12. 
1 . What occurred as Peter was addressing the multitudes in Solomon's 
porch? (Acts 4:1, 3.) 



20 Outline Bible Studies : ^ciTdt' 

2. Why were Peter and John cast into prison? (vs. 2.) 



3. What further reason had the authorities for dreading the influence of 
Peter and John? (vs. 4.) 



4. What was done with Peter and. John the next morning? (vss. 5-7.) 



5. By whom was Peter prepared to answer the question put by the 
Sanhedrin? (vs. 8.) 



6. How did he answer? (vss. 9, 10.) 



7. What prophetic language did he quote in proof of the charge that 
he made against them ? (vs. 11,) 



8. What practical conclusion did he urge upon them? (vs. 12, Golden 
Text.) 



Peter and John Threatened by the Council. Acts 4 : 13-22. 
9. What was the effect of Peter's boldness upon the Sanhedrin? (Acts 
4:13a-) 



10. How did they account for it? (vs. 13^.) 



11. What indisputable proof of the reality of the miracle was actually 
present? (vs. 14.) 



12. What did the Sanhedrin, in private session, conclude to do? (vss. 
5-17) 



Lesson^ ^ y^^, Q reat A p ost l es , 2 I 

13. How did they announce their decision to the Apostles? (vs. 18.) 

14. How did Peter and John reply to this decision? (vss. 19, 20.) 



15. Why was the Sanhedrin prevented from taking more severe meas- 
ures against them? (vss. 21, 22.) 



The Return of Peter and John to the Church. Acts 4: 23-31. 
16. What did the two Apostles do when they had been released by the 
Sanhedrin ? (Acts 4 : 23.) 



17. How did their release affect the company of believers? (vss. 
24-30.) 

18. What startling result followed? (vs. 31.) 



LESSON TEACHINGS, WITH QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 

19. What was the foremost fact in the preaching of the Apostles (Acts 
2:24,32; 3:15; 4:2, 10)? Why did they lay so much stress upon it 
(1 Cor. 15 : 14-18) ? How does this fact affect us (1 Cor. 15 : 20-22) ? 

20. What made Peter and John so courageous when they were sum- 
moned before the Jewish council (Acts 4: 8a, 13^; Mt. 10: 19, 20)? On 
whose assistance may the Christian rely in every hour of need (Rom. 8 : 
31)? Why should we rejoice, rather than be afraid, when trials come 
(Alt. 5:10-12; Jas. 1:2-4)? 

21. What was the salvation to which Peter referred (Acts 4:12)? 
Why can there be no salvation except in Christ (Jo. 3 : 16—18, co?np. Gal. 
1:8,9; Heb. 2 : 2-4) ? Why can no man save himself ? How can all be 
saved? 

TOPICS FOR SPECIAL INVESTIGATION AND THOUGHT. 

I. The relation of the Sadducees to the early persecutions of the 
Christian church. 2. Causes for the rapid growth of the church in Jeru- 
salem. 3. Why the Jewish authorities were silent so long after Pentecost. 
4. How Peter's address advanced from the mere healing of the cripple, to 
the presentation of the cross, the resurrection, and salvation through 
Christ. 5. Reasons for the boldness of Peter and John before the council, 
6. The Pentecost after Pentecost (Acts 4:31). 



22 Outline Bible Studies : Pr GradT e 

Lesson 7. PETER'S GROWING POWER AND INFLU- 
ENCE. Ananias and Sapphira Punished. Many 
Miracles Wrought. The Rulers Disobeyed. 

Acts, ch. 5. Between a.d. 32 and 34. 

Note 11. — The benevolence of Barnabas and others who sold their possessions 
and contributed the entire proceeds to the common fund in the church, incited Ana- 
nias and his wife to try to obtain the honor of such benevolence without deserving it. 
Peter detected the imposture and charged them with lying to the Holy Ghost, who 
dwelt in the church. The meaning of the terrible judgment which followed was appar- 
ent to all. The holiness of the church was vindicated. Hypocrites were afraid to join 
it, but true believers were attracted in great numbers. The power and influence of 
Peter grew constantly and many extraordinary miracles were wrought by him. Even 
his shadow healed those on whom it fell. 

Such divine approval of the work and teachings of the Apostles not only comforted 
their own hearts and strengthened them to endure the coming trial of their faith, but 
attracted such universal attention as to arouse the Jewish authorities from their leth- 
argy. This time all the Apostles were arrested and cast into prison ; but, being at once 
delivered by an angel, they returned to the temple and renewed their joyful proclama- 
tion of the Gospel. When re-arrested and tried before the Sanhedrin, the wise and 
conciliatory address of Gamaliel enabled them to escape with only a beating for disobey- 
ing the previous injunction of the court. This act of persecution on the contrary 
stimulated their zeal in proclaiming Jesus as the Christ. 

GOLDEN TEXT : " We must obey God rather than men." (Acts 5 : 
293.) 

SCRIPTURE, to be read in school or class : Acts 5 : 17-32. 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS. 

MONDAY. ...... Acts 4 : 32-37. Having All Things Common. 

Tuesday Acts 5 : 1-11. Peter's Exposure of Ananias and Sapphira. 

Wednesday. . . . Acts 5 : 12-16. The Miraculous Power of Peter's Shadow. 

Thursday Acts 5: 17-32. **"&£$?** ° f "* Ap ° StleS ^^ *' 

Friday . . . . I Acts 5 : 33~39- Tne Advice of Gamaliel. 

' * \ Acts 5 : 40-42. The Apostles Beaten and Released. 

Saturday Josh 7 : 1-15. The Sin of Achan. 

Sunday . t Dan. 3 : 1-18. Obeying God Rather than Men. 

REVIEW AND PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS. 

I. What led to the first imprisonment of Peter and John? 2. What 
Jewish sect was prominent in the early opposition to the church? 3. By 
what power and in whose name did Peter declare to the council that the 
lame man had been healed? 4. With what did he charge the council? 
5. What gave Peter and John such boldness before this great court? 6. 
What did Peter and John say when commanded to preach no more in the 
name of Jesus? 7. What did the council do with them? 8. Where did 
they go when released ? 9. What is the title of this lesson ? its Golden 
Text? 



L " 5 °s n even. The Three Great Apostles. 23 

THE LESSON OUTLINE, WITH WRITTEN-ANSWEK QUESTIONS. 

Peter's Exposure of Ananias and Sapphira. Acts 5 : 1-16. 
1. How did Ananias and his wife try to deceive the Apostles? (Acts 
5:1.2,7,8.) 



2. What charges did Peter make against Ananias? (vs. 3.) 



3. How did Peter show the inexcusableness and enormity of this sin? 
(vs. 4-) 



4. How did his words affect Ananias? (vs. 5.) 

5. What occurred when Sapphira came in? (vss. 7-10.) 



6. In the multitude of miracles that followed these events, how, in par- 
ticular, was Peters great power shown? (vs. 15.) 



The Apostles Arrested and Beaten. Acts 5 : 17-42. 
7. How did these miraculous attestations of the truth of the apostolic 
teaching affect the Jewish rulers? (Acts 5 : 17, 18.) 



8. How did God frustrate their evil designs? (vss. 19-210.) 



9. State briefly how the Apostles were again found, and before whom 
they were brought, (vss. 21^-27.) 



10. What threefold accusation was made against them by the high 
priest? (vs. 28.) 



II. What courageous answer did Peter and the other Apostles make to 
this charge? (vs. 29.) 



24 Outline Bible Studies : *!&£?' 

12. What points did Peter emphasize in his defense? (vss. 30, 31 , comfi, 
4:8-10.) 



13. In their witnessing for the truth, into what divine companionship 
did Peter declare himself and the other Apostles to be exalted? (vs. 32.) 



14. What was the effect of Peter's words on the Sanhedrin? (vs. 33.) 



15. How was the Sanhedrin dissuaded from slaying the Apostles? (vss. 
34-39-) 



16. How were they punished for disobeying the previous command of 
the Sanhedrin? (vs. 40, comp. 4: 18.) 



17. What effect did this have upon them? (vss. 41, 42.) 



LESSON TEACHINGS, WITH QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 

18. How was the conduct of true and false disciples exemplified in the 
primitive church (Acts 5: 1-11, co?7ip. 4:34-37)? Why was the sin of 
Ananias and his wife so terribly punished? How is the sin of Ananias 
repeated to-day? What lessons should his punishment teach us? 

19. What is taught in this lesson about obedience to God rather than to 
rulers (Acts 5 : 28, 29, 41, 42) ? What are the teachings of the New Tes- 
tament about obeying rulers (Rom. 13: 1-7; Titus 3:151 Pet. 2: 13, 
14) ? How may one show subjection to the civil authority while refusing 
to obey it (see Expl. Note on Acts 5 : 29) ? 

20. What did Gamaliel suggest that the council might be doing in op- 
posing the Apostles (Acts 5 : 38, 39) ? How may men be guilty of this 
sin now? 

TOPICS FOR SPECIAL INVESTIGATION AND THOUGHT. 

I. Why the severe punishment of Ananias and Sapphira was necessary, 
and a real mercy to the church. 2. The meaning of the high priest's ac- 
cusation about bringing "this man's blood upon us." 3. Why men of 
the highest ecclesiastical position may often be religiously wrong. 4. Why 
God chooses humble men, " ignorant and unlearned," to make known His 
truth, rather than the great and wise (1 Cor. 1 : 27-29). 5. The Scripture 
doctrine regarding civil government ; for what does it exist? from whom 
is its authority derived? what are our principal duties toward it? 



LesS Eigkt, The Three Great Apostles. 25 

PART II. 

THE MISSIONARY WORK OF PETER AND JOHN IN SAMARIA 
AND JUDEA, AND THE CONVERSION OP SAUL. 

Time. — From the Death of Stephen to the Sending Out of Missionaries by the Church in 
Antioch. Part II of The History of the Apostolic Church, a.d. 34-44 (see Note 3, Abstract of 
Lessons, in Introduction). 

Note 12. — Characteristics of Part II. Three events of far-reaching sig- 
nificance mark the history of this period : (a) The extension of the church from 
Jerusalem to Samar a, through the preaching of Philip, the evangelist, and the conse- 
quent visit of Peter and John to impart to the converts the gift of the Holy Ghost ; 
(6) the conversion of Saul, who, under divine direction began a course of training 
which is not narrated in the history, but which fitted him to undertake the great 
mission to the Gentile world when the hour for it should be ripe ; and (c) the con- 
version of Cornelius through the preaching of Peter, whereby a door was opened for 
the Gentiles to pass directly into the Christian church without previous compliance 
with the requirements of the Jewish law. In this extension of the church beyond 
Jerusalem and especially in the breaking down of the prevailing Jewish exclusiveness, 
through which the Christian church began its conquest of the world for Christ, Peter 
was the most conspicuous instrument. 



Lesson 8. PETER AND JOHN IN SAMARIA. The 
Wickedness of Simon Magus Exposed. 

Acts 8 : 1-25. About A.D. 34. 

Note 13. — Certain inequities in the distribution of supplies from the common fund 
in Jerusalem excited complaints which led to the appointment of seven men to 
superintend this work. At the head of these was a certain Grecian Jew (see B. D.) ( 
or Hellenist, named Stephen, who quickly became prominent in religious debates with 
his fell6w-Hellenists. His fearless proclamation of a broader and more liberal type 
of Christianity than the Apostles had yet announced aroused violent Jewish prejudices, 
and led to his arrest. Being tried before the Sanhedrin he was convicted by false 
witnesses, condemned, and stoned. The same day a storm of persecution broke over 
the infant church. Great numbers of believers were driven from Jerusalem, but 
instead of being silenced by opposition they went in every direction preaching the 
Gospel. Among these was one of the Seven, named Philip, who, coming to Samaria, 
began preaching so effectively that multitudes believed and were baptized. Among 
these was a notorious magician named Simon. 

When the news of this great revival reached Jerusalem, the Apostles sent Peter and 
John to Samaria. God honored their apostolic office by making them the instruments 
through whom the gift of the Holy Spirit was conferred upon the baptized believers. 
Simon, the magician, wished to buy the power of conferring this gift upon others. 
This act of audacious profanity drew upon the hypocrite the scathing rebuke of Peter, 
and a summons to repentance. When Peter and John had accomplished their work 
in Samaria, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the Gospel by the way in many 
Samaritan villages. 



26 Outline Bible Studies : Pr °Gradt e 

GOLDEN TEXT : " They therefore that were scattered abroad went 
about preaching the word." (Acts 8 : 4.) 

SCRIPTURE, to be read in school or class : Acts 8 : 14-24. 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS. 

Monday { Acts 6 : l ~7' The Appointment of the Seven. 

1 Acts 6 : 8-15. Stephen's Ministry and Arrest. 

Tuesday Acts 7:1-16; ] 

Wednesday Acts 7 : 1 7-34; 

Thursday Acts 7 : 35-46; ( Stephen's Address before the Sanhedrin. 

Friday / Acts 7 : 47-53- J 

' " \ Acts 7 : 54-60. Stephen's Vision and Martyrdom. 

Saturday . . -f Acts : I- 4* The Church Scattered by Persecution. 

\ Acts 8 : 5-13. Samaria Evangelized by Philip. 

Sunday Acts 8 : 14-25. The Visit of Peter and John to Samaria. 

REVIEW AND PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS. 

I. How did Ananias and Sapphira try to deceive the Apostles ? 2. What 
did Peter say to Ananias? 3. What occurred to Ananias after Peter had 
spoken? 4. What became of Sapphira? 5. What led to the arrest of 
the Apostles ? 6. On what great principle did Peter base their defense ? 
7. What did the members of the Sanhedrin wish to do to them, and what 
did they do? 8. What are the three principal characteristics of Part II of 
this Course (Note 12)? 9. Tell briefly how the first great persecution 
arose against the church (Note 13). 10. What is the title of this lesson? 
its Golden Text? 

THE LESSON OUTLINE, WITH WRITTEN-ANSWER QUESTIONS. 

The Evangelization of Samaria by Philip. Acts 8 : 1-13. 
1. What occasioned the scattering of the church in Jerusalem? (Acts 
8: 1-3; see Note 12.) 



2. Who still remained there? (vs. 1.) 



3. What new feature in the progress of Christianity now appeared? 
(vs. 4, Golden Text.) 



4. State how the Gospel came to be preached in Samaria, (vss. 
5, 6.) 



5. How was the truth of Philip's teaching attested? (vss. 7, 8.) 



Lcss Eight. The Three Great Apostles. 27 

6. What general result followed the preaching of Philip? (vs. 12.) 



7. What notorious person also professed conversion? (vss. 9-1 1, 13.) 



The Visit of Peter and John to Samaria. Acts 8 : 14-25. 
8. What did the Apostles do when they heard of Philip's success in 
Samaria? (Acts 8 : 14.) 



9. What did Peter and John do after they reached Samaria, and why? 
(vss. 15, 16.) 



10. How did the Lord honor the apostolic office? (vs. 17.) 

11. What did Simon, the magician, do? (vss. 18, 19.) 

12. How did Peter rebuke his presumption? (vs. 20.) 

13. How did he expose his hypocrisy? (vss. 21, 23.) 

14. What did he urge him to do? (vs. 22.) 

15. What shows that Simon was not really converted? (vs. 24.) 



16. What did Peter and John do on their way back to Jerusalem? 
(vs. 25.) 



28 Outline Bible Studies : *^Z£T 

LESSON TEACHINGS, WITH QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 

17. How did the persecution that arose after the death of Stephen 
prove a positive advantage to the church ? For what purpose are trials 
sent on God's people ? 

18. What is the difference between a true minister of Christ, and a false 
religious teacher (comp. Acts 8:5 with vss. 9, 10) ? How do they 
respectively affect the people (vss. 11, 12)? What kind of preaching is 
the most certain to overcome religious imposture and fraud? 

19. What was the nature of the " belief" which Simon Magus professed 
(Acts 8: 13)? Why is mere intellectual belief insufficient for salvation? 
What else is needed ? 

20. What great spiritual endowment did the Samaritans receive as a 
result of the visit of Peter and John? How does the possession of the 
Holy Spirit reveal itself to-day? How may it be obtained? 

TOPICS FOR SPECIAL INVESTIGATION AND THOUGHT. 

I. The preparation of $amaria f or the Gospel (Jo. 4: 39-42). 2. Sub- 
sequent notices in the Acts of Philip the evangelist. 3. The significance 
of the laying on of hands by the Apostles. 4. In what the gift of the 
Holy Spirit consisted. 5. The supremacy of Peter in the light of Acts 
8 : 14. 6. The later history of Simon Magus. 



Lesson 9. THE CONVERSION OF SAUL. The 
Apostle to the Gentiles Called. 

Acts 9 : 1-190, co?tip. 22 : 4-16; 26 : 9-18; I Cor. 15 : 8-10; Gal. 1 : 15, \da. 
About A.d. 35 or 36. 

Note 14. — Saul was a Hellenistic Jew (see B. D., "Grecian Jews") born at 
Tarsus, a brilliant center of Greek civilization in the Roman province of Cilicia. In 
the apostolic history he first appears as an abettor in the stoning of Stephen, and is 
described as " a young man," probably about thirty years of age. In his own Epistles 
he insisted on the purity of his Hebrew descent, the strictness of his religious training, 
and his extreme devotion to the principles and practices of the Pharisees. His prom- 
inence in connection with the murder of Stephen makes it probable that he was one of 
those who had been vanquished by him in theological debate. The ministry of 
Stephen, though at first it exasperated Saul into a violent persecution of the church, 
may have left on him an impression that prepared the way for his conversion. 

Aside from the marvelous intellectual endowments of Saul, two factors are conspicu- 
ous in his character, — his passionate love of truth, and his absolute loyalty to conscience. 
On these foundations divine power and inspiration built up a life of such far-reaching 
influence, that his conversion to Christianity has justly been regarded as the most 
important event in the history of the church subsequent to the day of Pentecost, 



LesS Nitu>. The Threc Grcat Apostles. 29 

GOLDEN TEXT : " Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, who ap- 
peared unto thee in the way which thou earnest, hath sent me, that thou 
mayest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost." (Acts 

9 : 17^) 

SCRIPTURE, to be read in school or class: Acts 9:1-9. 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS. 

Monday Acts 9 : 1-9. The Conversion of Saul. 

Tuesday Acts 9 : 10-19^. The Ministration of Ananias to Saul. 

WEDNESDAY Acts 22 : 4-16. Paul's Own Account of his Conversion. 

Thursday Acts 26 : 9-18. Paul's Second Account of the Same. 

Friday Rom. 7 : 7-25. Paul's Inward Conflict before his Con- 

version. 

Saturday 1 Tim. 1:1-17. Why Paul the Persecutor Obtained 

Mercy. 

Sunday • • 1 Cor. 15 : 1-1 1. Paul's Conversion a Proof of Christ's 

Resurrection. 

REVIEW AND PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS. 

I. What three events of outstanding importance mark the history of 
the church in Part II? 2. What led to the preaching of the Gospel in 
Samaria? 3. What is related of Simon Magus in this connection? 
4. What did Peter and John do for the converts? 5. How was the 
wickedness of Simon Magus exposed? 6. What further missionary work 
was done by Peter and John in the villages of Samaria? 7. How impor- 
tant in the history of the church may the conversion of Saul be regarded 
(Note 14) ? 8. What is the title of this lesson? its Golden Text? 

THE LESSON OUTLINE, WITH WRITTEN- ANSWER QUESTIONS. 

Saul's Life before his Conversion. Scattered references. 
Note 15. — The main facts touching Saul's early life are incidentally brought out in 
the Acts and in the Pauline Epistles. A careful study of the references given below 
(Questions 1-9) will throw much light on his early life and training. 

i . What is known of Saul's ancestry, birthplace, and family relations ? 
Phil. 3:5. 



Acts 22 : 3<z. 



Acts 23: 16. 

2. What coveted political right was his, and how had he obtained it? 
(Acts 22 : 25-28.) 



JO Outline Bible Studies : P Tg%2T' 

3. What trade, learned doubtless in his early years, became afterwards 
a means of support to him while he was proclaiming the Gospel? (Acts 
18:3; 20:33-355 I Thes. 2:9.) 



4. What did he say of his Jewish training? (Acts 22 : 3.) 



5. To which of the great religious parties among the Jews was Saul 
allied by birth and by personal choice? (Acts 23 : 6 ; 26 : 5.) 



6. To what extent did he carry his Jewish belief that the only way to 
win the favor of God was by strictly keeping the law ? 

Gal. 1 : 14. 



Phil. 3 : 6b. 

7. Why did he become a persecutor of the church? (Acts 26: 9, 10.) 



8. How did he manifest his desire to destroy the influence of the Lord 
Jesus? 

Acts 8:1, 3, cornp. 22 : 4 ; 26 : 10. 

Acts 9:1, 2, comp. 22 : 5 ; 26 : 1 1 . 

9. How does he elsewhere describe his feelings toward the church of 
God? (Gal. 1:13.) 



The Conversion of Saul. Acts 9 : 3-9. 
io. Describe in your own words the marvelous event which occurred to 
Saul on his way to Damascus. (Acts 9 : 3-7, comp. 22 : 6-10 ; 26 : 12-15.) 



1 1 . What very important addition to the other accounts of this event is 
made in Acts 26: 16-18? 



LesS Nine. The Three Great Apostles. Si 

12. What was the immediate effect of this event on Saul? (Acts 9 : 8, 
9, comp. 22 : 11.) 



The Ministration of Ananias to Saul. Acts 9 : 10-190. 
13. What command did Ananias receive from the Lord? (Acts 9 
10-12.) 



14. Why was he reluctant to obey this command? (vss. 13, 14.) 



5. How was his reluctance removed? (vss. 15, 16.) 



16. What did Ananias then do for Saul? (vss. 17-19^.) 



LESSON TEACHINGS, WITH QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 

17. How did Paul afterwards regard the righteousness which in his early 
life he sought to obtain by keeping the law (Phil. 3 : 6-9) ? How does he 
describe his inward state during this early period (Rom. 7 : 19-25) ? How 
only can any one burdened with a sense of sin obtain peace (Mt. 11 : 28- 
30) ? Why can we not be saved through any righteousness of our own ? 

18. What was Saul's attitude toward Christ before his conversion? 
What, afterwards? In what did his conversion consist? In what must 
every true conversion consist? 

19. To what great fact did Paul constantly appeal in connection with 
his conversion (1 Cor. 9:1; 15:8; Gal. 1 : 15, 160 ; Acts 22 : 7, 8 ; 26: 
14, 15) ? How then does his conversion become a proof of the truth of 
Christianity? On what great historical fact does Christianity rest? 

TOPICS FOR SPECIAE INVESTIGATION AND THOUGHT. 

I. Tarsus, the birthplace of Saul. 2. Saul's early life and training. 
3. Jewish education in the time of Christ. 4. In view of the fact that 
Saul had not met Jesus, where had he probably spent the ten years pre- 
vious to his conversion? 5. The variations in the three leading accounts 
of Saul's conversion. 6. The character of Saul as revealed in his life 
before his conversion. 



32 Outline Bible Studies : *"&%?!" 

Lesson 10. PETER'S VISION AT JOPPA. The Com- 
mand to Carry the Gospel to the Gentiles. 

Acts 9: 32 — 10: 23a. About a.d. 40. 

Note 16. — The mission to the Gentiles, for which Saul was " a chosen vessel," was 
yet in the future. Meanwhile the church itself must experience a divine preparation 
for this mission, lest at the very beginning of its career it be rent in twain, and thus be 
made incapable of conquering the world for Christ. 

This preparation was necessitated by the gulf that separated the Jewish from the 
Gentile world. This separation, fundamentally religious, made itself felt with terrific 
force in every relation of life. The mere touch of a Gentile was pollution, and his food 
an abomination. To admit these uncircumcised heathen to social equality with a 
devout Israelite, to enter their houses and to " eat with them " (Acts n : 2, 3), was most 
deeply shocking to ancient Jewish prejudices. And yet this barrier had to be removed 
before Christianity could become a world-religion. This task, impossible to man, was 
made possible by God, and in its performance Peter bore a conspicuous part. 

After the conversion of Saul the churches in Judea enjoyed peace and prosperity 
(Acts 9 : 31). In one of his pastoral journeys Peter came to Lydda where he healed 
^neas of a palsy. Thence he was summoned to Joppa where he restored Dorcas to 
life. While Peter was staying in Joppa, Cornelius, a God-fearing Gentile in Csesarea, 
was directed in a vision to send for him. In another vision Peter was prepared to go 
to him, for it taught Peter that God had no regard for the social distinctions of the Jews. 
These visions prepared Cornelius, on the one hand, and Peter on the other, for a 
meeting in which all former social barriers between them as Jew and Gentile were 
broken down before the power of the Gospel. 

GOLDEN TEXT : " Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold." 
(Jo. 10: 16a.) 

SCRIPTURE, to be read in school or class: Acts 10:9-23. 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS. 

Monhav / Acts 9 : 32-35- The Healing of ^neas by Peter. 

Monday 1 Acts 9 . 36 _ 43< The R a i s i n g of Dorcas by Peter. 

Tuesday Acts 10 : 1-8. Cornelius Directed to Send for Peter. 

Wednesday. . . .Acts 10 : 9-16. Peter's Vision on the Housetop. 

Thursday Acts 10: 17-23^. The Messengers from Cornelius. 

? RIDAY A Is. 60 : 1-1 2 ; I A p romise t Zion concerning the Gentiles. 

Saturday Is. 60 : 13-22. / & 

SUNDAY Jas. 2 : 1-9. The Royal Law of Love. 

REVIEW AND PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS. 

I. What is known of Saul's birthplace, early training, trade, and citi- 
zenship? 2. How did he become a persecutor of the church? 3. How 
did he show his zeal in this work? 4. Tell briefly the circumstances of his 
conversion. 5. What occurred after he had been led into Damascus? 
6. Why could Saul not begin his work among the Gentiles at once (Note 
16) ? 7. What is the title of this lesson? its Golden Text? 



LesS Ten. The Three Great Apostles. 33 

THE LESSON OUTLINE, WITH WKITTEN-ANSWEK QUESTIONS. 

Peter's Miracles at Lydda and Joppa. Acts 9 : 32-43. 
1 . How did Peter make use of the season of peace and prosperity (Acts 
9: 31) enjoyed by the churches in Palestine? (Acts 9: 32.) 



2. What miracle was wrought by him at Lydda? (vss. 33, 34.) 



3. Why did Peter go to Joppa? (vss. 36-39^.) 



4. What great miracle was wrought by him at this place? (vss. 39^- 

41 



5. How did these miracles affect the people? (vss. 35, 42.) 



6. With whom did Peter stay in Joppa, and what did this signify? (vs. 
43) 



7. Why were these miracles narrated at this point in the history? (See 
Expl. Note on vs. 43, in App.) 



Peter Instructed to Preach to the Gentiles. Acts 10 : 1-234. 
8. Who was Cornelius? (Acts 10: 1, 2.) 



9. How did the Lord prepare him to receive the Gospel? (vss. 3-6.) 

10. What did he immediately do? (vss. 7, 8.) 



11. How did the Lord prepare Peter to receive the message from Cor- 
nelius? (vss. 9-16.) 



34 Outline Bible Studies : Pr °&"dt e 

12. While Peter was yet perplexed as to the meaning of this experience, 
what occurred? (vss. 17, 18.) 



13. What did the Spirit command Peter to do? (vss. 19, 20.) 



14. What followed this command? (vss. 21, 22.) 



15. How was the effect of Peter's vision immediately shown? (vs. 23a.) 



I/ESSON TEACHINGS, WITH QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 

16. What shows that the Gospel had lost none of its power by diffusion 
beyond Jerusalem (Acts 9 : 32-35) ? What suggests that it had received 
an increase of power (Acts 9 : 36-42) ? Which will reap the more enduring 
prosperity, a church that expends all its income on itself, or one that helps 
to evangelize the world, and why? 

17. What were, the believers called whom Peter visited at Lydda (Acts 
9 : 32) ? To whom is this designation always applied in the New Testa- 
ment? What does it mean? 

18. What were Cornelius and Peter doing when the heavenly visions 
came to them? What does this suggest as to how we may come into the 
highest spiritual states {comp. Lu. 9 : 28, 29 ; Acts 1 : 14 with 2:1,2; 3 : 
iff.; 16 : 25 ff.) ? What is prayer? 

19. What divine rebuke was still ringing in Peter's ears when the mes- 
sengers from Cornelius arrived (Acts 10: 15)? What principle of Chris- 
tianity is here indicated? How would the practical application of this 
principle affect society to-day? 

TOPICS FOR SPECIAL INVESTIGATION AND THOUGHT. 

I. The relation of the section, Acts 9 : 32-43, to the preceding and to 
the subsequent narrative. 2. How good people are valued when they die 
(Acts 9:39). 3. The progressive breaking down of Peter's prejudices 
under the influence of divine revelation. 4. How revelation, even in the 
case of inspired men, is progressive. 5. The fitness of Cornelius, in view 
of Jewish prejudices, to become the first direct convert from the Gentiles. 
6. Jewish prejudices against tanners. 7. The power of social and reli- 
gious prejudices at the present time. 



LesS Eieven. The Three Great Apostles. 3 5 

Lesson 11. PETER OPENING THE DOOR TO THE 
GENTILES. The Conversion of Cornelius. 

Acts 10 : 23^ — 1 1 : 18. About a.d. 40. 

Note 17. — Christianity was regarded by those who first embraced it as only a 
further development of Judaism. Their only conceivable mode of entrance into the 
Christian church was by a rigid compliance with Jewish laws and ceremonies, for they 
thought that the door of admission to the church had been closed to the Gentiles by 
the hand of God when the covenant with Abraham was confirmed by the rite of cir- 
cumcision. The conversion of Cornelius, therefore, brought the early church face to 
face with the greatest crisis in its history. To insist on compliance with Jewish rites 
would be fatal to the unity of the church. 

To admit the Gentiles directly into the church demanded, accordingly, nothing less 
than the most explicit and unquestionable divine authority, and this could not be 
exercised through any ordinary man. Philip might open the door to the Samaritans, 
but only Peter, the representative of the Apostles, the recognized leader in the church, 
the man of the "keys" (Mt. 17: 19), could be entrusted with this larger task. His 
vision of the sheet let down from heaven received an immediate interpretation in the 
arrival of the messengers from Cornelius. Going with them, Peter found a large 
company assembled to hear the Gospel. His sermon was accompanied by an imme- 
diate outpouring of the Holy Spirit on these Gentiles, after which they were baptized. 
Such indisputable divine approval could but silence objections when Peter rehearsed 
the matter at Jerusalem. 

GOLDEN TEXT: "God is no respecter of persons: but in every 
nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is acceptable to 
him." (Acts 10 : 34/;, 35.) 

SCRIPTURE, to be read in school or class: Acts 10:34-48. 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS. 

Mi >NDAY Acts 10 : 23^-33. Peter's Interview with Cornelius. 

T f Acts 10: 34-43. Peter's Sermon in Cornelius' House. 

1 1 RSDAY \ Acts 10 : 44-48. The Holy Spirit Given to the Gentiles. 

Wednesday Acts 1 1 : 1-18. Peter's Defense of his Action. 

Thursday Gen. 17: 1-14. God's Covenant with Abraham. 

F f Jer. 31 : 31-34. A New Covenant Prophesied. 

r K1 A \ Lu. 22 : 1 5-20. The New Covenant Established. 

Saturday Eph. 2 : 1 1-22. Gentiles Included in the New Covenant. 

Sunday Rom. 2 : 1-1 2. Jews and Gentiles Equal before God. 

REVIEW AND PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS. 

I. What miracles were wrought by Peter at Lydda and at Joppa? 2. 
What was the earliest sign of the breaking down of his strict Jewish 
prejudices? 3. How was Cornelius prepared for the reception of the 
Gospel? 4. How did the Lord prepare Peter to preach the Gospel to him? 
5. Why was the opening of the door to the Gentiles for a direct entrance 
into the Christian church the greatest crisis in its history (Note 17)? 6. 
Who only had authority to open this door? 7. Why was this task accom- 
plished through Peter? 8. What is the title of this lesson? its Golden 
Text? 



36 Outline Bible Studies : *1£ZZ?' 

THE LESSON OUTLINE, WITH WMTTEN-ANSWER QUESTIONS. 

Peter Opening the Door of the Church to Gentiles. Acts 10 : 23^-48. 
1 . What did Peter do after the arrival of the messengers from Cornelius ? 
(Acts 10: 23^, comp, 11 : 12.) 



2. How did Cornelius receive him on his arrival at Caesarea? (vss. 
24, 25.) 



3. How did Peter, the Jew, explain his readiness to enter the house of 
Cornelius, the Gentile? (vss. 26-29.) 



4. How did Cornelius explain why he had sent for him? (vss. 30-33.) 



5. What marvelous discovery did Peter, at the beginning of his address, 
say that he had just made? (vss. 34^, 35, Golden Text.) 

6. What did he refer to as already known to his hearers? (vss. 36-38.) 



7. Of what most important events aia Peter proclaim himself and his 
fellow-disciples to be witnesses? 

vs. 39. 



vss. 40, 41. 

8. What charge had they received from Christ? (vs. 42.) 

9. What had the prophets testified concerning him? (vs. 43.) 



10. What occurred shortly after Peter had begun to speak? (vss. 44, 
45, comp, 11 : 15.) 



11. What incontestable evidence appeared that the Gentiles were now 
received into the kingdom of Christ on terms of equality with the Jews? 
(vs. 46.) 



12. What further action did Peter take in this matter? (vss. 47, 48.) 



Less °Eieven. The Three Great Apostles. 37 

Peter's Defense of his Action Concerning Cornelius. Acts n : 1-18. 

13. For what was Peter criticised by some of the disciples at Jerusalem? 
(Acts 11 : 1-3.) 

14. On what points did he lay stress in his defense? 
vss. 5-10. 

VSS. II, 12. 

vss. 13, 14. 

vs. 15. 

15. Of what did this crowning evidence of divine approval remind 
Peter? (vs. 16.) 

16. What unanswerable conclusion did he draw from these facts? 
(vs. 17.) 

17. How was the church in Jerusalem affected by Peter's narrative? 
(vs. 18.) 

LESSON TEACHINGS, WITH QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 

18. What were the barriers that separated the Gentiles from the Jews? 
Who has thrown down these barriers? What is the practical consequence 
to us ? What are the only barriers that now stand in the way of one's 
salvation ? 

19. What new truth had Peter learned in connection with the conversion 
of Cornelius (Acts 10 : 34^, 35) ? What had he believed before this? To 
what was this radical change in his views due? What should be our 
attitude toward new interpretations of revealed truth (1 Jo. 4: 1, 2)? 

20. How did the Lord show that believing Gentiles were included in the 
new covenant in Christ's blood (Acts 10 : 44) ? How did Peter urge that 
this fact should be still further manifested (vss. 47, 48) ? In this con- 
nection what shows that water baptism is not a saving ordinance? What 
does it signify? 

TOPICS FOR SPECIAL INVESTIGATION AND THOUGHT. 

I. How Cornelius regarded Peter as shown in the reception he gave to 
him (Acts 10 : 25). 2. The difference between Peter's address to Cornelius 
and his previous addresses to Jews. 3. Previous declarations of the truth 
that God is no respecter of persons (Deut. 10 : 17 ; 2 Chron. 19 : 7, comp. 
Mt, 28:19; Lu. 24:47). 4. The relation between the baptism of the 
Holy Spirit and water baptism. 5. The common attitude of the church 
toward fresh applications of revealed truth. 



38 Outline Bible Studies : Pr S^lf 

Lesson 12. PETER'S DELIVERANCE FROM PRISON. 
The Prayer of the Church Answered. 

Acts 12 : 1-19. A.D. 44. 

Note 18. — The church had not only survived the persecution instituted by Saul 
and the Jewish authorities, but seems to have been vastly benefited by it. In the seven 
or eight peaceful years that followed, it expanded with great energy in every direction, 
and now the conversion of Cornelius had opened a door that invited a career of con- 
quest in the Gentile world. These facts were doubtless known to the Jewish authori- 
ties, and would tend to fan their smouldering hatred into a hotter flame. They found 
now a power ready to undertake even without their suggestion the work of destruction 
which they could not accomplish. 

Herod Agrippa I was a grandson of Herod the Great and a brother of Herodias 
(Mt. 14:3). The friendship of Caligula, emperor of Rome, had secured him the 
governorship of the whole of Palestine, with the title of king during the last three years 
of his reign. At heart a heathen, he was outwardly a zealous Jew, and sought in many 
ways to ingratiate himself into popular favor. The persecution of the church which he 
began was due therefore to political motives, and had no religious significance. His 
policy was to do away with the leaders. To this end James, the brother of John, was 
seized and beheaded. The miraculous deliverance of Peter, whom the king had de- 
signed for the same fate, seems to have ended the persecution, as the king himself died 
soon after this, in the summer of A.D. 44. 

GOLDEN TEXT : " He shall give his angels charge over thee, to 
keep thee in all thy ways." (Ps. 91: 11.) 

SCRIPTURE, to be read in school or class : Acts 12 : 1-10. 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS. 

M j Acts 11 : 19-26. A Gentile Church Planted in Antioch. 

IViONDAY j Actg j I . 27 _ 30> The Famine. Relief Sent to Judea. 

Tuesday Acts 12: 1-11. The Martyrdom of James, and Peter's 

Miraculous Release. 

w /Acts 12: 12-19. The Praver of the Church Answered. 

w ednesday • • v.^ A cts 1 2. : 20 _ 24# Herod's' Miserable Death. 

Thursday Mt. 10: 16-23; ) Comfort and Encouragement for Christ's 

Friday Mt. 10:24-33; r Disciples when Persecuted by the 

Saturday Mt. 10 : 34-42. J World. 

Sunday Psalm 59. A Song of Confidence in God. 

REVIEW AND PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS. 

I. How was Peter received by Cornelius on his arrival in Caesarea? 2. 
What discovery did he confess that he had just made? 3. What was the 
substance of his address? 4. What occurred soon after he had begun to 
speak? 5. What was thereby shown as to God's attitude toward the Gen- 
tiles? 6. How did Peter afterwards defend himself for violating Jewish 
customs? 7. What was the motive of Herod Agrippa I in persecuting the 
church (Note 18)? 8. What is the title of this lesson? its Golden 
Text? 



Twelve. The Three Great Apostles. 39 

THE LESSON OUTLINE, WITH WRITTEN-ANSWER QUESTIONS. 

Peter's Miraculous Release from Prison. Acts 12: i-n. 
1. About what time did the events recorded in this chapter take place? 
(Acts 12: I, comp. 11 : 29, 30.) 



2. Who was the Herod mentioned here? (See Note 18, and JB. D., 
Herod (2).") 



3. How did he begin his persecution of the church? (vs. 2.) 



4. Who was the James here spoken of, and what can you tell of his 
history? (See B. D., " James (1).") 



5. How did Herod try to gain still more favor with the Jews? (vs. 3.) 



6. Why was Peter not executed at once, as James had been? (vs. 
4, 5a.) 



7. How did the church show its interest for him during his imprison- 
ment? (vss. $b, lib.) 



8. Tell briefly how Peter was released from prison, (vss. 6-10.) 



9. When Peter realized what had occurred, what did he say? (vs. 11.) 



The Prayer of the Church for Peter Answered. Acts 12: 12-19. 
10. Where did Peter go after the angel had left him? (Acts 12 : 12.) 



11. Why was he not admitted at once? (vss. 13, 14.) 



40 Outline Bible Studies : Pt WJSt' 

12. How is the amazement of the church at the answer to its prayers to 
be explained? (vss. 15, 16; see Expl. Notes, in App.) 



13. What did Peter do when he had been admitted? (vs. 17a.) 

14. What James did Peter refer to? (See B. D., "James (3).") 

15. What became of Peter after this? (vs. 17b \ see Expl. Note.) 

16. What occurred after Peter's escape was discovered? (vss. 18, 19.) 



LESSON TEACHINGS, WITH QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 

17. How did Satan appear to triumph over the church in the persecution 
begun by Herod (Acts 12 : 2, 3)? How did the Lord in both these in- 
stances triumph over Satan? How does a faithful servant of Christ regard 
either life or death (Phil. 1 : 21) ? 

18. In the conflict of the church with the world, what is the strongest 
weapon on which the former can rely (Acts 12:5^)? What does this 
example teach us in regard to praying for precisely the thing we most de- 
sire? What assurance have we that God will answer specific prayer (Mt. 
10 : 29731) ? In what spirit should such prayer always be offered (Mt. 26 : 

19. At what particular time was Peter delivered (Acts 12:6a:)? Why 
did the Lord wait until the last moment before answering the prayer of the 
church? What should this teach us (1 Thes. 5:17; Lu. 18 : 1-7) ? 

20. How did the church show its surprise at the power of prayer (Acts 
12 : 14-16) ? In view of the precautions taken against Peter's escape (vs. 
4), how dared any one to hope for his deliverance? What is the sublime 
answer of faith to the apparent impossibilities of life (Mt. 19 : 26) ? 

TOPICS FOR SPECIAL INVESTIGATION AND THOUGHT. 

I. The adventurous early life of Herod Agrippa I. 2. His administra- 
tion in Palestine. 3. John Mark. 4. The probability that Luke obtained 
the narrative in Acts 12: 1-19 from John Mark (see vs. 12). 5. The 
death of Herod Agrippa I, as told by Josephus, and as told by Luke. 



eSS °Thirtecn. The Three Great Apostles. 41 

Lesson 13. REVIEW OF LESSONS 1-12. 

Note 19. — Summary of Principal Events in Parts I, II. Part I, The 
Training of Peter and John and the Beginning of their Work in Jerusalem. — This 
part naturally divides itself into two sections Lessons 1-3, and 4-7, separated by the 
ascension of the Lord Jesus. The former includes the call of Peter and John to be- 
come followers of Jesus (Les. 1) ; such personal lessons in faith, tolerance, forgive- 
ness, humility, etc., as were not included in the training received by them in common 
with the other disciples (Les. 2), and the fall and restoration of Peter, with the loving 
steadfastness of John (Les. 3). 

The latter section opens with an illustration of Peter's leadership in the matter of 
electing a new Apostle and in the momentous events of the day of Pentecost (Les. 4). 
Sometime afterwards Peter and John are thrust into prominence by the healing of a 
lame man in the temple (Les. 5) ,for which they were imprisoned, and tried before the 
Sanhedrin, on whom their boldness made a deep impression (Les. 6). The punish- 
ment of Ananias and Sapphira, and many miracles, again brought Peter and the other 
Apostles so conspicuously before the people that the rulers were filled with jealousy, 
and had them all thrown into prison, from which an angel delivered them ; being 
re-arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin, Peter's defense so angered their judges 
that they would gladly have put them to death, but fearing the people, they scourged 
them and let them go (Les. 7). 

Part II, The Missionary Work of Peter and John in Samaria and in Judea, and the 
Conversion of Saul. — The persecution that followed the death of Stephen scattered 
the believers. Among these was Philip, whose preaching in Samaria led to the eon- 
version of multitudes; Peter and John being sent to look into the work became in- 
strumental in giving the Holy Spirit to the Samaritans, and in exposing the hypocrisy 
of Simon Magus (Les. 8). About this time Saul, the persecutor, was converted on the 
way to Damascus, and appointed an Apostle to the Gentiles (Les. 9). The church's 
preparation for this Gentile mission came in part through the conversion of Cornelius, 
w Inch taught first Peter, and next the Jewish believers, that God made no distinction 
between Jews and Gentiles, but admitted the latter into the church on the same terms 
as the former (Less. 10, 11). A new persecution, instigated by political motives, broke 
out shortly before the death of Herod Agrippa I, and resulted in the death of James 
the Apostle, and the miraculous deliverance of Peter from prison (Les. 12). 

GOLDEN TEXT : " They were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and 
they spake the word of God with boldness." (Acts 4 : 31^.) 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS. PETER'S ADDRESSES. 

Monday Acts 1 : 15-26. At the Choosing of a New Apostle. 

Tuesday Acts 2 : 14-36. On the Day of Pentecost. 

WEDNESDAY Acts 3 : 1 1-26. In Solomon's Porch. 

Thursday Acts 4 : 8-20. First, before the Sanhedrin. 

Friday Acts 5 : 25-33. Second, before the Sanhedrin. 

SATURDAY. Acts 10 : 34-43. In the House of Cornelius. 

Sunday Acts 1 1 : 1-1 7. Before the Church in Jerusalem. 

GOLDEN TEXT RESPONSIVE SERVICE. 

(To be used in place of the regular Scripture Reading with this lesson. The numerals with 
the questions refer to the lessons of the quarter.) 

I. Superintendent {or Teacher}. With what call and promise did 
Jesus invite Peter and John to give up all and follow Him ? 

Sunday-school {or Class). " Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me. 
and I will make you to become fishers of men. 1 ' (Mk. 1 : 17.) 

II. What did Christ expect of them as His followers? 

" If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up 
his cross, and follow me. 1 ' (Mt. 16: 24.) 



42 Outline Bible Studies : P l£Z2t' 

III. How did Jesus in restoring Peter to his apostleship question the 
greatness of his love? 

"Jesus saith unto Simon Peter, Simon, son of John, lovest thou me 
more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I 
love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs." (Jo. 21 : 15.) 

IV. With what practical exhortation did Peter conclude his great 
address on the day of Pentecost? 

" Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus 
Christ unto the remission of your sins ; and ye shall receive the gift of the 
Holy Ghost." (Acts 2 : 38.) 

V. In what similar way did he address the people in the temple, after 
the healing of the lame man? 

"Repent ye therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted 
out." (Acts 3: 19^.) 

VI. What did he declare to the Sanhedrin concerning Christ as the 
only means of salvation ? 

" In none other is there salvation : for neither is there any other name 
under heaven, that is given among men, wherein we must be saved." 
(Acts 4: 12.) 

VII. What did Peter and John say when the Jewish rulers forbade 
their preaching in the name of Christ? 

" We must obey God rather than men." (Acts 5 : 29A) 

VIII. What resulted from the effort of these rulers to check the 
progress of the Gospel by persecution ? 

" They therefore that were scattered abroad went about preaching the 
word." (Acts 8:4.) 

IX. What did Ananias say to Saul when sent to him ? 

" Brother Saul, The Lord, even Jesus, who appeared unto thee in the 
way which thou earnest, hath sent me that thou mayest receive thy sight, 
and be filled with the Holy Ghost." (Acts 9 : 17b.) 

X. What words of Christ are illustrated in the conversion of Cor- 
nelius? 

" Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold." (Jo. 10 : 16a.) 

XI. What great truth had Peter disclosed in connection with the con- 
version of Cornelius ? 

' ' God is no respecter of persons : but in every nation he that feareth 
him, and worketh righteousness, is acceptable to him." (Acts 10: 
34^, 35-) 

XII. What Old Testament promise was fulfilled in the release of Peter 
from imprisonment? 

" He shall give his angels charge over thee, 
To keep thee in all thy ways." (Ps. 91 : 11.) 

XIII. In all the persecutions which fell upon the believers in the early 
church, how were they sustained, and how did they act? 

" They were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of 
God with boldness." (Acts 4 ; 31^.) 



^Thirteen. The Three Great Apostles. 43 

QUESTIONS ON PART I. 

1. What is the title of Part I, and what years does it cover? 

2. State briefly opposite the following references the principal events in 
this Part. 

Note 20. — These statements when complete for this lesson will form an outline of 
the events studied during the quarter. An arrangement of them in tabular form 
before the eye assists greatly in fixing them in mind in chronological order. 

Jo. i : 35-42. Peter and John accept Jesus as the Messiah. 

Lu. 5 : 1-10. Peter and John called to leave all and follow Christ. 

Mk. 3 : 13-19^. Peter and John appointed Apostles. 

Mt. 14:24-33. 

Mt. 16: 13-23. 
Lu. 9 : 49-56. 
Mk. 10: 35-45- 
Jo. 13: 1-30. 
Mt. 26: 69-75. 
Jo. 19: 25-27. 
Jo. 21 : 15-24. 
Acts, ch. 1. 
Acts, ch. 2. 
Acts 3 : 1-26. 
Acts 4: 1-22. 
Acts 5 : 1-16. 
Acts 5 : 17-42. 

3. What several names were borne by Peter? What is known of his 
life before he met Jesus at the Jordan? 

4. What is known of the early life of John? What, of his family? 

5. By what successive steps were Peter and John fully committed to the 
service of Christ? 

6. Mention some of the distinctive points in the apostolic training of 
Peter. Mention some in that of John. 

7. In what various ways were the characters of Peter and John revealed 
after the arrest of their Master? How did the denial of Christ by Peter 
affect his subsequent character? 

8. Mention the first four or five instances in which the leadership of 
Peter was shown in the early church. What was the position of John? 



44 Outline Bible Studies : '*%%£?"' 

QUESTIONS ON PART II. 

9. What is the title of Part II, and what years does it cover? 

10. Opposite the following references state the leading events in Part 
II (see Note 20). 

Acts 8 : 1-25. 
Acts 9 : 3-190. 
Acts 9 : 32-43. 
Acts 10: 1-230. 
Acts 10 : 23^-48. 
Acts n : 1-18. 
Acts 12 : 1-19. 

1 1 . How did the Gospel come to be preached in Samaria ? How did 
the Samaritans obtain the gift of the Holy Ghost? How was the 
hypocrisy of Simon Magus exposed? 

12. In what character is Saul first presented in the Acts? How was 
he converted? What is known of his early life, education, trade, citizen- 
ship, etc. ? 

13. By what means was Peter prepared to make " no distinction " in his 
ministry to Jews and Gentiles? How did God show that He made "no 
distinction" between any who accept Christ? For what was Peter taken 
to task by the church? How did he reply? 

GENERAL QUESTIONS. 

14. What great truths were emphasized in Peter's early preaching? 
Why are these the most important truths of Christianity? 

15. What were the early characteristics of Peter? What were his 
characteristics at the close of the period now under consideration? What 
faults of his should we avoid, and what virtues imitate? 

16. What was the character of John as seen in the Gospels? How was 
he a great comfort to Christ during His trial and crucifixion ? What is 
the firmest foundation for Christian constancy and faithfulness? 

Note 21. — Following the course of events as found in the New Testament, the 
lessons of this quarter have been given almost wholly to the study of Peter and John. 
With the exception of one or two allusions to them in connection with the struggle to 
free the Gentiles from bondage to the Jewish law, no further mention is made of 
either of these two Apostles for about twenty years, or during the missionary career of 
Paul. The lessons of the next two quarters will therefore be given mainly to the study 
of the wonderful work done by the great Apostle to the Gentiles. Afterwards we shall 
return again to the later work of Peter and John as seen in their Epistles. 



LESSONS 

ON 

THE THREE GREAT APOSTLES 

PETER, PAUL, AND JOHN 

IN FIVE PARTS 



PROGRESSIVE GRADE 



PART III. 

PAUL'S FIRST THREE MISSIONARY JOURNEYS, AND THE LAST 
MENTION OF PETER IN THE ACTS. 

Time. — From the Sending Out of Missionaries by the Church in Antioch to the Close of the 
Third Missionary Journey (except Lesson 14, which is introductory to the study of Paul's 
work). Part III of The History of the Apostolic Church, a.d. 44-58 (see Note 3, Abstract of 
Lessons, in Introduction). 

Note 22.— Characteristics of Part III. (i) The Prominefice of Paul.— 
The apostolic history in Parts I and II revolves mainly around the work of Peter in the 
founding of the church, and in the opening of its door to the Gentiles through the con- 
version of Cornelius. In Part III, on the contrary, the history revolves around Paul, 
while Peter and John almost wholly disappear from view. 

(2) Special Features. — Three special features mark this period : (a) The extension 
of the Gospel among the Gentiles by the active missionary work of Paul in Cyprus, 
western Asia, and southeastern Europe; (6) the consequent struggle with Judaism 
over the relation of the Gentile converts to the Jewish law ; and (c) the composition of 
Paul's leading Epistles, namely : the missionary group, 1 and 2 Thessalonians ; and the 
controversial group, Galatians, 1 and 2 Corinthians, and Romans. 



Lesson 14. THE TRAINING OF SAUL. From his Con- 
version to his First Missionary Journey. 

Scattered References. About A.D. 35-45. 

Note 23. — No consecutive narrative of Saul's life during the seven or eight years 
that intervened between his conversion and the beginning of his first missionary jour- 
ney is given in the New Testament. From scattered statements and incidental 
allusions it is possible, however, to construct a fairly probable account of his doings 
during this period. 

(1) After his conversion Saul preached only "certain days" in Damascus (Acts 
9: igp-22), and then (-?) retired into Arabia, probably to meditate on the rew truth 

45 



46 Outline Bible Studies : ^cSade™' 

revealed to him at his conversion and on its relations to the Old Testament faith. 
Here he spent a large part of the three years that elapsed between his conversion and 
his next visit to Jerusalem. (3) Returning from Arabia to Damascus (Gal. 1:17^), 
he preached with such power that the Jews plotted to kill him; but aided by the 
brethren he escaped (Acts 9 : 23-25 ; 2 Cor. 11 : 32, 33). (4) From Damascus he fled 
to Jerusalem, where the church had probably heard of his conversion three years 
before (Gal. 1 : 23), but having had no further news of him naturally regarded him 
with suspicion (Acts 9 : 26) . Fortunately Barnabas, a fellow-Hellenist, was able to 
vouch for him (Acts 9:27). He stayed in Jerusalem fifteen days entertained by 
the noble-hearted Peter (Gal. 1 : 18), and preached to the Hellenists in and around the 
city (Acts 9:28,29). (5) When the disciples in Jerusalem became aware that the 
Jews were plotting against his life they escorted him to Csesarea, whence he set sail for 
his native Tarsus (Acts 9 : 30). 

(6) The next three or four years seem to have been spent chiefly in Syria and 
Cilicia (Gal. 1 :2i), during which time he probably established the Gentile churches 
afterwards visited and confirmed by him (Acts 15:23, 41). (7) While prosecuting 
work in or near Tarsus in Cilicia, Barnabas came and brought him to Antioch in Syria, 
where the two worked together a full year (Acts 11 : 25, 26). At the end of this period 
they were sent with relief to the churches in Judea (Acts 11 : 28-30). 

GOLDEN TEXT : " Wherefore, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedi- 
ent unto the heavenly vision." (Acts 26 : 19.) 

SCRIPTURE, to be read in school or class : Acts 9 : 19^-30. 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS. 

-_ f Acts q : iqb-2^; 1 Saul's Experience in Damascus and his 

MoNDAY \ 2 Cor. 1 1 : 16-33. / Sufferings for the Gospel. 

Tuesday Acts 9:26-31; j Saul's Retirement into Arabia, his 

f Acts 22 : 17-21; > Visit to Jerusalem, and his Work 

Wednesday - / » 1 



\ Gal. 1 : 17-24. J in Syria and Cilicia. 



Thursday Ex. 2: 11-25; 1 Moses's Preparation for his Future 

Friday Ex., ch. 3; V Work 

Saturday Ex., ch. 4. J 

Sunday Ps. 119 : 97-1 12. The Value of Religious Meditation. 

REVIEW AND PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS. 

i . Who were the leading Apostles during the period covered by Parts I 
and II of this Course? 2. Mention some instances of the leadership of 
Peter. 3. Mention the prominent facts recorded by John. 4. Who 
becomes the leading Apostle in Part III (Note 22)? 5. What three 
special features characterize this period? 6. How may a fairly reliabie 
account of Saul's doings between his conversion and his first missionary 
journey be obtained (Note 23) ? 7. What is the title of this lesson ? its 
Golden Text? 



Le " Fourteen. The Three Great Apostles. 47 

THE LESSON, WITH WRITTEN-ANSWER QUESTIONS. 

Saul in Damascus and Arabia. Acts 9: 19^-25; Gal. 1 : 16^-18; 2 Cor. 

Il:32,33- 
1. How did Saul prove the genuineness of his conversion? (Acts 
9 : 20, 22.) 



2. How did this affect those who heard him? (Acts 9:21.) 



3. State briefly his movements after leaving Damascus. (Gal. 1:17; 
see Remark 5 (1), in App.} 

4. How long probably did he remain in Arabia? (Gal. 1 : 18.) 



5. What occurred on his second visit to Damascus? (Acts 9:23-25 
2 Cor. 11 : 32, 33.) 



Saul in Jerusalem, Syria and Cilicia. Acts 9 : 26-30; 11:19-30; 12:25; 
22: 1 7-21 ; Gal. I : 18-24. 
6. How was Saul received on his return to Jerusalem ? (Acts 9 : 26 ; 
Note 23 (4).) 



7. How was this feeling overcome? (Acts 9: 27.) 



8. What Apostles did he see? (Gal. 1 : 18, 19.) 



9. What did he do in and around Jerusalem? (Acts 9 : 28, 29.) 



10. What resulted from this work? (Acts 9: 29^, 30.) 



48 Outline Bible Studies : ^cfaTe™' 

II. What divine communication did he receive before leaving the city? 
(Acts 22: 17-21 ; see Remark 7.) 



12. Where did he spend the next few years? (Gal. 1 : 21.) 



13. What churches did he probably establish during this period? (Acts 
15:23, 41; Note 23 (6).) 



14. Tell briefly how he came to be engaged in the great work at Antioch. 
(Acts 11 : 19-260.) 

15. How long did he remain there, and what special fact is noted in 
this connection? (Acts 11 : 26^.) 



16. State the occasion of Saul's second visit to Jerusalem. (Acts 11 : 
27-30.) 

17. Whom did Saul and Barnabas take with them on their return to 
Antioch? (Acts 12 : 25.) 



LESSON TEACHINGS, WITH QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 

18. What was the first conspicuous proof of Saul's conversion (Acts 
9 : 20, 22) ? What was the second (vss. 23, 24) ? Which was the greater, 
willingness to speak for Christ or to suffer for Him? How may we show 
ourselves to be disciples of Christ ? 

19. What were probably the reasons for Saul's long sojourn in Arabia 
(see Remark 5 (2))? Why should those who wish to work for Christ 
prepare themselves in the best possible way? 

20. Why was Saul not justified in staying in Damascus or Jerusalem 
when his life was in danger (Mt. 10: 23)? To what extent ought we to 
persevere in any good work notwithstanding opposition and difficulties? 

TOPICS FOR SPECIAL INVESTIGATION AND THOUGHT. 

I. The possible influence of Stephen's disputations upon those of Saul 
after his conversion. 2. Reasons for holding that Acts 9 : 26-30 and Gal. 
1 : 18, 19 refer to the same visit, and not to two distinct visits to Jerusalem. 
3. Saul's reception at Jerusalem, and its probable immediate effect upon 
him. 4. The visit of Saul to Peter. 5. Saul's work in Syria and Cilicia. 



L " s Fl/tecn. The Three Great Apostles. 4Q 

Lesson 15. PAUL IN CYPRUS AND IN ANTIOCH OF 
PISIDIA. The First Missionary Journey Begun. 

Acts, ch. 13. About a.d. 45 or 46. 

Note 24. — The time for direct Christian work in Gentile lands had now arrived. 
Bv a variety of revelations and divine signs of approval, Jewish exclusiveness had been 
broken down and the church taught that the Gospel was not for a single nation but 
for all men. This truth was doubtless more apparent to the partly Gentile church in 
Antioeh than to the strictly Jewish church at Jerusalem; hence the former was a 
better starting-point for missions to the Gentiles. The best equipped men in the 
church for this work were Barnabas and Saul- Barnabas from his catholicity of 
spirit as shown in his work at Antioeh, and Saul by his special call to this service and 
the eight or ten years of training already received for it ; both these men, also, were 
born and brought up in Gentile lands. Thus both they and this church were made 
rearly for the divine revelation which led to their being solemnly set apart to carry 
the Gospel to the Gentiles. At this point Saul enters upon the distinctive work of 
his life. 

Attended by John Mark, a young cousin of Barnabas who had accompanied them 
from Jerusalem, Barnabas and Saul made a tour of Cyprus, the native home of 
Barnabas. Two noteworthy occurrences at Paphos were the conversion of the procon- 
sul Sergius Paulus and the defeat of the sorcerer Elymas. In his encounter with the 
latter Saul displayed that power and boldness which were destined henceforth to make 
him the most conspicuous figure in the church. Henceforth also he is known by his 
Roman name Paul, and his precedence over Barnabas is indicated by reversing the 
order of their names in the narrative. 

From Paphos they sailed to Perga on the mainland. Here John Mark turned back, 
but Paul and Barnabas pushed on about one hundred miles to the highlands of the 
interior. At Antioeh of Pisidia they preached first to the Jews and then to the Gen- 
tiles, but were driven away by a persecution incited by the Jews. 

GOLDEN TEXT: 

" I have set thee for a light of the Gentiles, 
That thou shouldest be for salvation unto the uttermost part 
of the earth." (Acts 13:47/;.) 

SCRIPTURE, to be read in school or class : Acts 13 : 42-52. 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS. 

M J Acts 13: 1-3. Barnabas and Saul Sent Forth. 

MO>DA ^ \ Acts 13:4-1 2. The Work in Cyprus. 

Tuesday Acts 13: 13-26; ~\ 

WEDNESDAY Acts 13 : 27-41 ; I The Work in Antioeh of Pisidia. 

Thursday Acts 13 : 42-52. J 

Friday I lab. 1 : 1-11. A Warning to Unbelievers. 

Saturday Rom. 10: 1-11; ) »«„... CT , 

e „„ .„ ,, .„ .„ ' > I he Rejection of Israe. 

Sunday ......... .Rom. 10: 12-21. / ' 



SO 



Outline Bible Studies : 



Progressive 
Grade. 



REVIEW AND PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS. 

I. What are the general characteristics of Part III in this Course of 
lessons? 2. What special features mark this period? 3. How did Saul 
show the genuineness of his conversion? 4. Where did he go soon after- 
wards, and why? 5. Relate some of the incidents connected with his first 
visit to Jerusalem. 6. How did he come to be engaged in work at Anti- 
och? 7. What was the occasion of his second visit to Jerusalem? 
8. What is the title of this lesson? its Golden Text? 



^_ 

Antioch 



<3 * H 



jX. # lcomum / CA^ 










MDirBBRA*** 



Paph( 






Map No. 8. For Tracing St. Paul's First Missionary Journey. 

Note 25. — Map No. 8 includes the territory covered by Paul's first missionary 
journey. The route traveled and the principal events at each place visited should be 
carefully fixed in mind. As an aid in remembering the route, trace it carefully with 
pen or pencil on the map as it is studied, using arrows to indicate the direction trav- 
eled. Compare this map with the map at the beginning of the Quarterly, so as to 
understand their relations to each other. 

Note 26. — Territorial names in the Roman Empire were of two kinds : First, 
political or those which denoted the districts into which the empire was divided for 
governmental purposes, such as the provinces of Cyprus, Galatia, etc., and the kingdom 
of Antiochus, the kingdom of Herod, etc. These are the names most commonly 
referred to in the Book of Acts. And secondly, tribal or other local names for regions 
of indefinite extent, such as Phrygia, Lycaonia, etc. These are referred to occasionally 
in the New Testament. 

Some names are used in both these senses, as for example, Galatia, which was the 
name of a large Roman province, and also the name of a district in the northern part of 



Lts 5 Fifteen. The Three Great Apostles. ji 

that province inhabited by the Galatian people, In order to understand the geographi- 
cal references in the New Testament it is of the first importance that the distinction 
between these two classes of names should be kept in mind. On the maps in these les- 
sons the names of the provinces, etc., are printed in ROMAN CAPITALS, while 
tribal and other local names having no political significance are in ITALIC 
CAPITALS. 

THE LESSON OUTLINE, WITH WRITTEN-ANSWER QUESTIONS. 

Barnabas and Saul Sent Forth. Acts 13: 1-3. 
The Work in Cyprus. Acts 13:4-12. 

1. State briefly how Barnabas and Saul were sent forth as missionaries. 
(Acts 13 : 1-3.) 

2. Where did they first go? (vss. 4, 5. Trace the route carefully on 
the map ; see Note 25.) 



3. Whom did they find at Paphos? (vss. 6, ya.) 



4. How did their visit affect each of these men? (vss. 7^-12.) 

1 



5. What special fact is here noted respecting Saul? (vs. 9; see Note 
24, and 13. D., "Paul.") 



The Work in Antioch of Pisidia. Acts 13: 13-52. 
6. What occurred at Perga? (Acts 13 : 13^.) 



7. What did Paul and Barnabas do on their first sabbath in Antioch of 
Pisidia? (vss. 14-16.) 



8. What did Paul remind his hearers that God had done for ancient 
Israel? 

vs. 17. 
vs. 18. 



52 




vs. 


19. 


vs. 


20. 


vs. 


21. 



Outline Bible Studies : pr fC:*//° e 



Grade. 



VS. 22. 

9. What still greater thing had He now done for them ? (vs. 23.) 

10. In what three ways did Paul prove that Jesus was the promised 
Messiah ? 

vss. 24, 25. 
vss. 30-330. 

vss. 34-37. 

11. What great announcement did he then make? (vss. 38, 39.) 

12. With what warning did he close? (vss. 40, 41.) 

13. How were Paul's hearers affected by this address? (vss. 42, 43.) 



14. State briefly what occurred on the following sabbath, (vss. 44-48.) 

15. What further experiences did the Apostles have in this place? (vss. 
49-52.) 



LESSON TEACHINGS, WITH QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 

16. Why was the beginning of Christian missions committed to the 
church at Antioch rather than to the mother church in Jerusalem? How 
was Barnabas especially qualified for this work (Acts 4 : 36, 37 ; 11: 24) ? 
How was Saul ? To what special work had Saul been called (Acts 26 : 
16-18; 22: 21)? 



LesS sLtcen. The Three Great Apostles. 53 

17. How much in earnest was Paul about his missionary work (Acts 20 : 
18-21, 31; 2 Cor. 4:8-10; 6:3-10, etc.)? What did he call himself 
(2 Cor. 5 : 20)? What is the great lack of the church to-day? 

18. What did Paul aim to prove in his address in the synagogue at 
Antioch of Pisidia? How did he attempt to prove this? To what great 
fact did he testify? 

19. What is meant by Messianic prophecy? In whom did Paul say that 
Messianic prophecy had been fulfilled (Acts 13:23, 32, 33)? Mention 
some prophecies respecting the Messiah and His kingdom that have not 
yet been fulfilled (Is. 53: 11^; 1 Cor. 15:20-28). What can we do to 
hasten their fulfilment? 

TOPICS FOR SPECIAL INVESTIGATION AND THOUGHT. 

I. Christianity as a missionary religion. 2. The utility of fasting as a 
religious exercise. 3. Recent discoveries in Cyprus. 4. The proconsul, 
Sergius Paulus. 5. Sorcery as an occupation. 6. John Mark, and his 
subsequent relations to Paul. 7. A comparison of Acts 13: 19 with Old 
Testament chronology. 



Lesson 16. PAUL IN ICONIUM, LYSTRA AND 
DERBE. The First Missionary Journey Ended. 

Acts, ch. 14. About a.d. 46-48. 

Note 27. — After Paul and Barnabas had been expelled from Antioch of Pisidia they 
went about ninety miles southeast to Iconium. This was in accordance with Paul's 
uniform line of missionary policy, which was to make the chief provincial cities the 
centers of his work. Here among both Jews and Gentiles their recent successes and re- 
verses were repeated. Banished from Iconium, they went to Lystra, about twenty-five 
miles toward the southwest. The healing of a well-known cripple was interpreted by 
the people here as a sign that the gods had come down among them. Again great 
success attended their ministry until hostile Jews from Iconium turned the fickle popu- 
lace against them. Paul was stoned and left for dead, but quickly recovering he and 
Barnabas pursued their way to Derbe, about thirty-five miles southeast from Lystra, 
and the only remaining place of importance in this part of Galatia. Here they seem to 
have encountered no serious opposition to their work. 

Instead of continuing their journey eastward over the mountains to Antioch in 
Syria, the Apostles now turned back and revisited and organized the churches which 
they had planted in South Galatia. At Perga they preached a short time, and then set 
sail from Attalia for Syria. Having finally reached the point from which they started 
they gave the church a full report of their mission. 

GOLDEN TEXT : »■ When they were come, and had gathered the 
church together, they rehearsed all things that God had done with them, 
and how that he had opened a door of faith unto the Gentiles." (Acts 

14 : 27.) 

SCRIPTURE, to be read in school or class: Acts 14:8-18. 



5 4 Outline Bible Studies : Pr °SradT 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS. 

MONDAY Acts 14 : 1-7. Success and Persecution in Iconium. 

Tuesday Acts 14 : 8-20. Paul Worshiped and Stoned in Lystra. 

Wednesday Acts 14 : 21-28. The Return from Derbe to Syria. 

Thursday 2 Cor. 1 1 : 23-33. Paul's Sufferings for the Gospel. 

Friday 2 Cor. 12 : 1-10 Paul Glorying in Persecution. 

Saturday Jo. 17:6-19. Christ's Prayer for His Disciples. 

Sunday Psalm 121. A Song of Confidence. 

REVIEW AND PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS. 

I. Who sent forth Barnabas and Saul to preach to the Gentiles? 2. 
Mention the principal facts connected with their ministry in Paphos. 3. 
What occurred at Perga? 4. Where did the Apostles go from Perga? 

5. By what arguments did Paul here prove the Messiahship of Jesus? 

6. What results attended the preaching in this place? 7. What led to 
the banishment of Paul and Barnabas? 8. What is the title of this lesson? 
its Golden Text? 

THE I/ESSON OUTLINE, WITH WRITTEN-ANSWER QUESTIONS. 

Success and Persecution in Iconium. Acts 14: 1-7. 
Note 28. — On Map, No. 8, Lesson 15, continue the journey-line of Paul and Bar- 
nabas from Antioch of Pisidia to Derbe and back again to Antioch in Syria (see Note 
25). Look up in the B. D. all the places mentioned. 

i. What two results attended the apostolic preaching in Iconium? 
(Acts 14: 1, 2.) 



2. How did these things affect Paul and Barnabas? (vs. 3.) 

3. What trouble presently arose? (vss. 4, 5.) 

4. Where did the Apostles then go? (vss. 6, 7.) 



Paul Worshiped and Stoned in Lystra. Acts 14:8-21^. 
5. Tell the story of the miracle which Paul wrought in Lystra. (Acts 
14:8-10.) 



^"sixteen. The Three Great Apostles. 55 

6. How did this affect the people? (vss. 1 1-13.) 

7. What did the Apostles do and say to restrain them? 
vs. 14. 

vs. 15^. 

vss. 15^-18. 

8. How did the people soon show their fickleness? (vs. 19.) 

9. How was the evil purpose of Paul's enemies defeated? (vs. 20.) 

10. What was the result of the work in Derbe? (vs. 21a.) 



The Return from Derbe to Syria. Acts 14:21^-28. 
11. Where did Paul and Barnabas go after leaving Derbe ? (Acts 14: 
id.) 



12. What did they do for the churches on their return? 
vs. 22. 

vs. 23. 

13. Where did Paul and Barnabas now preach for the first time? 
(vs. 25.) 

14. What did they do on reaching Antioch in Syria? (vss. 27, 28.) 



15. How much time was probably consumed by this first missionary 
journey (Remark 8, App.) ? How much time may Paul and Barnabas be 
supposed to have spent in each of the South Galatian cities? In what 
three Roman provinces did they work? 



$6 Outline Bible Studies : ''SiZS!!™ 

LESSON TEACHINGS, WITH QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 

1 6. What was the twofold effect of the Gospel in Iconium? What com- 
bination was formed against the Apostles? On what principle did they 
act when advised of their peril (Prov. 22 : 3) ? 

17. What did Paul perceive in the lame man at Lystra? Why may we 
infer that he had heard Paul preach (Rom. 10: 17) ? What did this mira- 
cle testify to the people in respect to the message brought by the Apostles? 
What did it suggest as to the blessings brought by Christianity? 

18. How did Paul and Barnabas correct the error of the people of 
Lystra? What truths concerning God did Paul declare to them? Why is 
it more reasonable to believe in one God than in many gods ? 

19. What is the external world able to teach us about God (Acts 14: 
15, 16) ? What can it not teach? What was the necessity of God reveal- 
ing Himself to men through Jesus Christ? Is any further revelation 
needed? 

TOPICS FOR SPECIAE INVESTIGATION AND THOUGHT. 

I . The possible silence of Luke concerning sufferings endured by Paul 
on the first missionary journey (comp. 2 Tim. 3:11 with 2 Cor. 11 : 24 ff.). 
2. Probable reasons that led Paul and Barnabas to return to Perga by the 
way they had come. 3. The meaning of the term " church," " churches " 
in Acts (see Ramsay, St. Paul, pp. 124-128). 4. The difference, if any, 
between Paul's term "bishops" ("overseers" in Acts 20:28, A. V.) 
and Luke's term "elders." 5. Paul's policy in the organization of new 
churches. 



Lesson 17. PETER AND PAUL IN JERUSALEM AND 

IN ANTIOCH. Their Part in Freeing the Gentiles 

from the Jewish Law. 

Acts 15 : I-35; Gal., ch. 2. About a.d. 50 or 51. 

Note 29. — The admission of Gentiles into the church on no other condition than 
faith in Christ demanded a stupendous change of sentiment in the Jew. The conver- 
sion of Cornelius settled the fact that salvation was for the Gentiles, but did not decide 
the terms on which they might enter the church. On this question the Jews in other 
lands would naturally be more liberal than those in Palestine. When, therefore, some 
of the latter came to Antioch, where Gentiles were received on perfect equality with 
Jews, they were shocked, and insisted that they must be circumcised and obey the 
Mosaic law. So much discussion arose over this matter that the church sent Paul and 
Barnabas to the mother church at Jerusalem for a decision of the question. 

In the debate at Jerusalem Peter took a prominent part, arguing earnestly for the 
freedom of the Gentiles from the Jewish law. Barnabas and Paul told how God had 
miraculously testified His approbation of their work among the Gentiles. James, the 
leader of the church in Jerusalem, then proposed a solution of the question to which 
the entire church agreed, and which was a substantial victory for Peter and Paul. If 



Less Seventeen. The Three Great Apostles. 57 

the incident narrated in Gal. 2: 11-21 occurred after this council at Jerusalem, as is 
commonly supposed, it would seem that Peter's courage strangely failed him when in 
company with the Judaizers at Antioch. In this lesson Peter, Paul and John appear 
together for the only time in the apostolic history. 

GOLDEN TEXT : " With freedom did Christ set us free : stand fast 
therefore, and be not entangled again in a yoke of bondage." (Gal. 

SCRIPTURE, to be read in school or class : Acts 15 : 22-29. 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS. 

Monday Acts 15:1-11; 1 

Tuesday Acts 15 : 12-21 ; \ Peter and Paul at the Council in Jerusalem. 

Wednesday — Acts 15 : 22-35. J 

Thursday Gal. 2 : 1-10. Paul's Account of the Council. 

Friday Gal. 2 : 1 1-21. Peter and Paul at Variance in Antioch. 

SATURDAY Gal 5 : 1-12. Circumcision a Badge of the Law. 

Sunday Gal. 5 : 13-24. The Law Fulfilled through Love. 

REVIEW AND PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS. 

i. Why did Paul and Barnabas leave Antioch of Pisidia? 2. What were 
their experiences in Iconium ? 3. What miracle did Paul work in Lystra? 
4. How did it affect the people? 5. How did Paul and Barnabas restrain 
them from their purpose? 6. What truths concerning God did Paul 
declare to the Lystrans? 7. What soon afterwards befell the Apostles? 
8. Where did they go? 9. Describe their return to Antioch in Syria. 10. 
What is the title of this lesson? its Golden Text? 

THE LESSON OUTLINE, WITH WRITTEN-ANSWER QUESTIONS. 

The Council in Jerusalem. Acts 15: 1-35; Gal. 2: 1-10. 

1 . State the reason why Paul and Barnabas were sent to Jerusalem from 
Antioch. (Acts 15 : 1, 2, comp. Gal. 2: 1, 2#, 4, 5.) 

2. What occurred by the way? (Acts 15:3.) 



3. What occurred in Jerusalem before the council met? (Acts 15:4; 
Gal. 2 : 2b, 3.) 



Note 30. — Of Peter's whereabouts subsequent to his departure from Jerusalem after 
his miraculous deliverance nothing is known. As the persecution began by Herod 
originated in political motives it must have ceased at his death, when Judea again be- 
came a Roman province. The fact that James, rather than Peter, was the leader of 
the church at the time of the council suggests that Peter had been absent from Jerusa- 
lem the greater part of the six or seven years since his flight. 



58 Outline Bible Studies : *"££!*' 

4. In Peter's argument before the council what three points did he 
make? 

Acts 1 5 : 7^-9. 
Acts 15 : 10. 

Acts 15 : 11. 

5. To what did Barnabas and Paul testify? (Acts 15:12.) 



6. How did James's citation from prophecy bear upon the subject under 
debate? (Acts 15 : 15-18; see Expl. Notes.) 



7. What solution of the trouble did he propose? (Acts 15 : 19-21.) 



8. What was done as a result of this suggestion? 
Acts 15 : 22. 

Acts 15 : 23-29. 

9. What special sphere of labor was recognized at this time as belong- 
ing to Peter, and what to Paul? (Gal. 2 : 7, 8.) 



10. In what significant act do we see the Three Great Apostles together 
for, so far as we know, the only time in their lives? (Gal. 2 : 9.) 



1 1 . State briefly how the council's action was reported to the church in 
Antioch. (Acts 15 : 30-34.) 

12. What is said of the further work of Paul and Barnabas. (Acts 
15 = 35-) 



Lesson 



Seventeen. The Three Great Apostles. J9 

Peter and Paul in Antioch. Gal. 2: 11-21. 
13. What occasioned trouble between Peter and Paul in Antioch? 
(Gal. 2: II, 12.) 



14. How were the Jews in the church affected by Peter's inconsistency? 
(vs. 13.) 



15. How did Paul meet the difficulty? (vss. 14-16.) 



16. In what general principle did Paul sum up his position touching the 
relation of the Gentiles to the Jewish law? (vs. 21&.) 



LESSON TEACHINGS, WITH QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 

17. What made the position of the Judaizing teachers in Antioch so 
hard to meet (see Expl. Note on Acts 15:1)? Over against what the 
Scriptures seemed to declare, to what did Peter appeal (see Expl. Note on 
15 : 10)? When a certain human interpretation of God's word seems to 
be in plain conflict with God's work, what is our manifest duty? 

18. How does the mission of Christ prove that the law is insufficient for 
salvation? What do those practically say concerning Christ and His work 
who try to save themselves by their own goodness and virtue (Gal. 2 : 
2i<£) ? From what has Christ redeemed all who believe in Him (Gal. 3 : 
13) ? From what other bondage are they also set free (Jo. 8 : 32-36) ? 

19. What did Peter and Paul teach as to the applicability of the Gospel 
to all men? What evidence on this point has been given by the progress 
of Christianity? 

TOriCS FOR SPECIAL INVESTIGATION AND THOUGHT. 

i. The character of the "certain persons" who "came down from 
Judea " and precipitated the dispute at Antioch. 2. The difficulties that 
prevented a conscientious Jew from favoring the admission of the Gentiles 
into the Christian church without coming under the ceremonial regulations 
of the Jewish law. 3. Whether Paul's visit to Jerusalem described in 
Gal. 2 : 1-10 was identical with that of Acts 11 : 30; 12 : 25, or with that 
of Acts 15 : 1-29 (see Expl. Note on Gal. 2:1). 4. The composition of 
the council in Jerusalem. 5. The nature of the four prohibitions speci- 
fied in the decree of the council, and the reasons for them (see Expl. 
Notes on Acts 15:20). 6. Whether Peter's visit to Antioch took place 
before or after the council in Jerusalem. 



60 Outline Bible Studies : Pr Gr7Je!' v ' 

Lesson 18. PAUL IN TROAS AND PHILIPPI. The 
Second Missionary Journey Begun. 

Acts IS : 36 — 16 : 40. About A.D. 51. 

Note 31. — The refusal of John Mark to proceed into Asia Minor (Acts 13 : 13) 
bore sad fruit as Paul and Barnabas were about to undertake a second missionary 
journey. Barnabas, with the partiality of a close relative, insisted on taking him along, 
while Paul as strenuously opposed it. In consequence of this dissension Mark went 
with his cousin into Cyprus, while Paul chose as his companion Silas who had re- 
turned with them from the council at Jerusalem. 

Passing overland through Syria and Cilicia Paul and Silas reached South Galatia, 
where they delivered the decision of the council to the churches in Derbe, Lystra, Ico- 
nium, and Antioch of Pisidia. At Lystra they were joined by Timothy, one of Paul's 
former converts at this place who was well reported of in the churches. Hindered by 
the Spirit from doing work either in Asia or in Bithynia, they came to Troas, where the 
Spirit unmistakably directed their course into Macedonia. 

On reaching Philippi the evangelization of Europe began in a little prayer-meeting 
by the river bank. Lydia, a Jewess, was the first convert. At first success attended 
their work, and a flourishing church was established. Afterwards, however, they were 
persecuted and imprisoned, an event which led to the conversion of the jailer and his 
entire household. On their release from prison they immediately left the city. 

GOLDEN TEXT : " Believe on the Lord Jesus, and thou shalt be 
saved, thou and thy house." (Acts 16 : 31.) 

SCRIPTURE, to be read in school or class : Acts 16 : 22-34. 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS. 

A/r f Acts 15 : 36-41. Dissension between Paul and Barnabas. 

Monday I Actg l6 . r _ 5> The Galatian churches Revisited. 

.p J Acts 16: 6-10. The Macedonian Call. 

1 UESDAY I Acts l6:II _ I5 The Conversion of Lydia. 

w mttct^av /Acts 16: 16-18. The Demoniac Slave Girl Healed. 

WEDNESDAY | Actg lfi . ^_^ p^ ^ g.^ Imprisoned> 

Thursday I Acts 1 6 : 2 5"34- The Jailer Converted. 

1 HURSDAY I A(;ts l6 . 35 _ 4Q paul and gilas Releaged> 

Friday V 1 Ti ^' * ; /" "' } Timothy's Ancestry and Training. 

Saturday 1 Cor. 9 : 13-27. " All Things to All Men." 

Sunday 1 L**' 10 • 1-20 l Power over Evil Spirits. 

REVIEW AND PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS. 

I . To whom did Paul and Barnabas report the result of their first mis- 
sionary journey? 2. Why were they soon after sent to Jerusalem ? 3. 
What was the question before the council? 4. Who took part in the 
debate? 5. What was the decision of the council? 6. How was this 
decision reported to the church in Antioch? 7. What great principle was 



Lesson 

Eighteen. 



The Three Great Apostles. 



61 



at stake in this controversy? 8. What recognition was given to Paul at 
this time? 9. What occurred soon after at Antioch? 10. What is the 
title of this lesson? its Golden Text? 




jVrTJSALEM 



Map No. 9. For Tracing St. Paul's Second Missionary Journey. 

Note 32. — This lesson gives an outline view of the first part of Paul's second 
missionary journey. The route traveled should be traced on Map No. 9, and the prin- 
cipal events at each place mentioned should be carefully fixed in mind. He probably 
crossed the mountains at the " Cilician gates," a noted pass nearly north of Tarsus, 
and thence proceeded westward until he reached Troas, where he crossed over into 
Europe (see Notes 25, 26, Lesson 15). 

THE LESSON OUTLINE, WITH WKITTEN-ANSWEK QUESTIONS. 

The Second Missionary Journey Begun. Acts 15 : 36 — 16: 12. 
1. What trouble arose between Paul and Barnabas soon after their 
return from Jerusalem? (Acts 15 : 36-38.) 



2. What resulted from their disagreement? (Acts 15 : 39, 40.) 



3. What route did Paul take (Acts 15 : 41 — 16 : id) ? Trace the journey 
on .Map No. 9. 



62 Outline Bible Studies : ^Gradt' 

4. What occurred at Lystra? (Acts 16: 1^-3.) 



5. What special reason had Paul for visiting the Galatian churches at 
this time? (Acts 16: 4, 5.) 



6. What was his route from Antioch of Pisidia to Troas? (Acts 16: 
6-8 ; read carefully Remark 9, in App.) 



7. Why did he cross into Europe? (Acts 16: 9, 10.) 



8. Describe his route from Troas to Philippi. (Acts 16: 11, 12; on 
Philippi," see B. D.) 



9. Why may we infer that Luke joined him at Troas? (See Expl. 
Note on Acts 16: 10.) 



The Gospel in Philippi. Acts 16: 13-40. 
10. How was the evangelization of Europe begun? (Acts 16:13-15.) 



11. What miracle did Paul work at Philippi? (vss. 16-18.) 

12. What was done to Paul and Silas because of this? (vss. 19-24.) 

13. Describe briefly the events of the following night, (vss. 25-34.) 

14. What occurred the next morning? (vss. 35-39.) 



ess Nineteen. The Three Great Apostles. 6j 

15. What did Paul and Silas do after leaving the prison? (vs. 40.) 



LESSON TEACHINGS, WITH QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 

16. To what special guidance does Paul repeatedly attribute his route 
during this journey? What is true of those who are led by the Spirit 
(Rom. 8 : 14) ? What practical results follow from such leading? 

17. What was the real reason for the opposition to Paul in Philippi 
(Acts 16 : iga) ? How long are men engaged in any wicked business con- 
tent to let Christians alone? When do they raise a cry against them ? 

18. What evidences of conversion were given in the case of Lydia? 
What, in the case of the jailer? In what respects were these conversions 
alike? In what respects were they different? 

19. Why may we not expect all conversions to be alike in form? Why 
are many persons unable to locate the precise moment of the change? 
What, nevertheless, are the essential features of every true conversion? 

TOPICS FOR SPECIAL INVESTIGATION AND THOUGHT. 

I. Paul's justification for circumcising Timothy (see Expl. Note on 
Acts 16: 3). 2. The subsequent relations of Timothy to Paul. 3. The 
nature of the malady from which the slave girl suffered. 4. Roman 
prisons in the time of Paul. 5. Why Paul and Silas did not reveal their 
Roman citizenship before being scourged. 6. The two prayer-meetings 
at Philippi — by the river bank, and in the prison. 



Lesson 19. PAUL IN THESSALONICA, BERCEA AND 

ATHENS. The Second Missionary Journey 

Continued. 

Acts, ch. 17; 1 Thes. 2 : 1-12. About A.D. 52. 

Note 33. — A hundred miles southwest of Philippi lay Thessalonica, the political 
and commercial metropolis of Macedonia. Passing over the great Roman road which 
ran along the coast of the ^Egean Sea, and without stopping at the smaller interme- 
diate places, Paul, Silas and Timothy came to this populous and wealthy city. Luke 
was apparently left at Philippi. Following his usual custom Paul entered the synagogue 
and began preaching to the Jews. Some believed among both the Jews and proselytes, 
and the foundation of a flourishing church was laid. The conversion of a number ot 
distinguished women aroused the jealousy of the unconverted Jews, who stirred up the 
rabble to persecute Paul and his friends so that they were compelled suddenly to flee. 

On reaching Bercea, about forty-five miles west of Thessalonica, Paul and his com- 
panions found a Jewish community unusually candid and hospitable to truth. But 
after a little while their work was interrupted by the outrageous conduct of Jewish 



64 Outline Bible Studies : Pr %ZZ!? € 

enemies who followed them from Thessalonica. Again compelled to flee, Paul went 
alone to Athens, distant by water about two hundred and seventy-five miles. 

On reaching Athens Paul sent for Silas and Timothy to come to him at once. While 
awaiting their arrival Paul's spirit was stirred as he saw this splendid city given over to 
idolatry. To representatives of the two leading philosophical schools Paul made a 
noble, but comparatively fruitless, exposition of the nature of the true God and of His 
relation to the world. His argument could not be answered except by unbelieving 
mockery. 

GOLDEN TEXT : " In him we live, and move, and have our being." 
(Acts 17 : 28a.) 

SCRIPTURE, to be read in school or class : Acts 17 : 1-9. 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS. 

MONDAY Acts 1 7 : 1-9. Paul's Ministry in Thessalonica. 

Tuesday 1 Thes. 2 : 1-12. Paul's Description of this Ministry. 

Wednesday Acts 17 : 10-15. Paul's Work in Bercea. 

T? U * S V DAY A< ; ts )l : l6 " 2 3' l Paul's Address in Athens. 

Friday Acts 1 7 : 24-34. / 

Saturday Is. 45 : 18-25. The Impotency of Idols. 

Sunday Is. 46 : 3-13. No Gods like Jehovah. 

REVIEW AND PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS. 

I. Who accompanied Paul on his second missionary journey, and why? 
2. Describe Paul's route from Antioch in Syria to Philippi. 3. What 
important communication did he bear to the Galatian churches ? 4. How 
was his course shaped after leaving South Galatia? 5. Why is it ex- 
tremely improbable that he went into North Galatia at this time? 6. 
What two persons are prominently mentioned among the converts at 
Philippi? 7. What occasioned the persecution that ended his work in the 
city? 8. What is the title of this lesson? its Golden Text? 

THE LESSON OUTLINE, WITH WRITTEN-ANSWER QUESTIONS. 

Note 34. — In studying this lesson continue the journey line on Map No. 9, 
Lesson 18, to Athens. 

Paul's Ministry in Thessalonica. Acts 17: 1-9; 1 Thes. 2: 1-12. 

I. How did Paul begin his work in Thessalonica? (Acts 17 : 1-3.) 



2. What were the leading characteristics of his preaching there? 
(1 Thes. 2 : 3-6.) 



"''nineteen. The Three Great Apostles. 65 

3. What were his personal relations to the Thessalonians? (1 Thes. 2 : 
7, 10, 11.) 



4. How did he show that he preached the Gospel for love only? 
(1 Thes. 2 : 9.) 



5. What success attended his preaching? (Acts 17 : 4.) 



6. How was this good work brought to an end? (Acts 17 : 5-9.) 



Paul's Work in Bercea. Acts 17: 10-15. 
7. For what were the Jews in Bercea especially commended? (Acts 
17:11.) 



8. What resulted from Paul's work there? (vs. 12.) 



9. How was this work brought to a sudden close? (vss. 13-15.) 



Paul's Address in Athens. Acts 17: 16-34. 
10. How was Paul affected by what he saw in Athens? (Acts 17: 16, 
I7-) 



11. What occurred between him and certain Athenian philosophers? 
(vss. 18-20.) 



12. In what conciliatory way did Paul begin his address on Mars 1 Hill? 
(vss. 22b, 23.) 



66 Outline Bible Studies : Pr ° G S rad/ ve 

13. What did he say about God's relation to the natural universe? (vs. 
24.) 



14. What, about his relation to mankind? (vss. 25-28.) 

15. What did he teach concerning the nature of God? (vs. 29.) 

16. What, about God's moral government of men? (vss. 30, 31.) 

17. What was the result of this address? (vss. 32-34.) 

LESSON TEACHINGS, WITH QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 

18. What charge was brought against Paul and his companions in 
Thessalonica (Acts 17:6)? In what sense was this charge a profound 
truth (comp. Mt. 10 : 34) ? 

19. In what respect were the Beroean Jews worthy of imitation (Acts 
17 : 11) ? Why is it so hard for men to be open-minded toward religious 
truth ? To whom do the Scriptures always conduct every honest student 
(Jo. 5 : 39) ? 

20. What did Paul say to the Athenians about the unity of the human 
race (Acts 17 : 26) ? How is the origin of the race described in the Bible 
(Gen. 1 : 26-28) ? What duties rest on all men because of their race-rela- 
tionship? 

21. What should be the supreme object of our earthly life (Acts 175 
27) ? What assurance have we that such quest will be rewarded (Mt. 7 : 
7, 8)? Why need we not go far to make this search (Acts 17:28)? 
What is it to live in God? 

TOPICS FOR SPECIAL INVESTIGATION AND THOUGHT. 

I. Paul's use of the synagogue in his missionary work. 2. Paul's faith- 
fulness and tenderness as a preacher. 3. The painful struggles by which 
Paul was enabled to advance the Gospel in Asia Minor and Europe. 4. 
The great Roman road, the Via Egnatia, traveled by Paul from Philippi 
to Bercea. 5. The movements of Silas and Timothy after Paul's departure 
from Thessalonica, and before they rejoined him in Corinth. 



LeSS Twenty. The Three Gnat Apostles. 67 

Lesson 20. PAUL'S FIRST MINISTRY IN CORINTH. 
The Second Journey Ended. 

Acts 18: 1-22; 1 Thes., ch. 3. About a.d. 52-54. 

Note 35. — Probably Paul remained in Athens only until the arrival of Silas and 
Timothy. He sent Timothy back to the church in Thessalonica concerning which he 
felt great anxiety (1 Thes. 3:1, 2). Silas also seems to have been sent to some point 
in Macedonia (Acts 18 : 5), perhaps to Philippi. After this Paul passed on alone to 
Corinth about forty-five miles away. 

Paul seems to have been greatly discouraged during his work in Corinth. From 
almost every city where he had preached, he had been forced to flee for his life. In 
Athens his arguments had been greeted with polite mockery. In Corinth the doors of 
the synagogue were soon closed against him. If Paul became deeply depressed, and 
doubted perhaps whether he might not have misunderstood the leadings of Providence, 
it was only because he was human. Two incidents quickly revived his spirits. The 
first was the cheering news from Thessalonica brought by Timothy ; the other was a 
direct divine assurance of protection and great success in Corinth. This promise was 
fulfilled in a ministry of a year and a half in that city, and in the establishment there 
of one of the most important of the Gentile churches. It was during this ministry 
that Paul wrote the first two of that series of Epistles which constitutes one of the 
most precious heritages of the church. 

Toward the close of this ministry Paul was arrested, but according to God's promise 
was discharged without harm. Crossing the ^Egean Sea he made a short visit to 
Ephesus. Thence he hurried to Jerusalem, and from there back to Antioch. This 
second missionary journey occupied about four years, A.D. 51-54. 

GOLDEN TEXT : " The Lord said unto Paul in the night by a vision, 
Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace : for I am with thee." 
(Acts 18 : g, 100.) 

SCRIPTURE, to be read in school or class : Acts 18 : 1-11. 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS. 

Monday Acts 18: 1-11. The Founding of the Church in Corinth. 

Tuesday 1 Thes., ch. 3. Paul Comforted by Good News. 

Wednesday 1 Cor. 2 : 1 — 3 : 2. Paul's Preaching in Corinth Described. 

Thursday 1 Cor. 9:1-12; \ ^ ,, ,.. . . . n . ., , -.. ' .,*■ 

Friday 1 Cor. 9 : 13-27; I Paul * M ! nis ^ > n Corinth not a Financial 

Saturday 2C0r.i1 : 1-12. J Burden t0 the Church ' 

Sunday Acts 18 : 12-22. The Second Missionary Journey Ended. 



REVIEW AND PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS. 

i. Where did Paul go after leaving Philippi? 2. Who went with him? 
3. What success did they have at first? 4. How was this work brought 
to an end? 5. Relate Paul's experiences in Beroea. 6. What did he 



68 Outline Bible Studies : ^SiZJ"" 

accomplish in Athens? 7. Where did he send Timothy from Athens 
(Note 35)? 8. Where probably did he send Silas? 9. Why was Paul 
greatly discouraged at the beginning of his work in Corinth? 10. What 
is the title of this lesson ? its Golden Text ? 

THE L.ESSON OUTLINE, WITH WRITTEN-ANSWEK QUESTIONS. 

The Founding of the Church in Corinth. Acts 18: 1-11; 1 Thes., ch. 3. 
1. With whom did Paul at first live in Corinth, and why? (Acts 18: 
1-3.) 



2. How did he begin his work in that city? (vss. 4, 5.) 



3. What course did he afterwards adopt, and why? (vss. 6, 7.) 



4. What results followed? (vs. 8.) 



5. What had occasioned Paul great anxiety in Athens? (1 Thes. 3 
1-50 



6. What other causes helped to discourage him? (Note 35.) 

7. How were his anxiety and discouragement removed? 
1 Thes. 3 : 6-10. 

Acts 18: 9, 10. 

8. How was Paul in part provided for during his stay in Corinth? 
(2 Cor. 11:9.) 

9. What was the duration of this ministry? (Acts 18 : 11.) 



LesS Twent y . The Three Great Apostles. 69 

Paul's Preaching in Corinth Described. 1 Cor. 2: 1 — 3: 2. 
10. What was the central theme of Paul's preaching in Corinth ? (1 Cor. 

2 : 2.) 



11. What were its leading characteristics? 
1 Cor. 2:3. 

1 Cor. 2 14. 

1 Cor. 2 : 12, 13. 

1 Cor. 3:1, 2. 

12. Why did he thus preach? (1 Cor. 2:5.) 



The Second Missionary Journey Ended. Acts 18: 12-22. 
13. What conspiracy was made against Paul in Corinth? (Acts 18 
2, I3-) 



14. How did the Lord fulfil His promise (vs. 10) to protect him? 
(vss. 14-16.) 



15. How did the malice of the Jews recoil on their own heads? 
(vs. 17.) 



16. At what places did Paul stop on his way from Corinth to Antioch in 
Syria? (vss. 18-22.) 



Note 36. — On Map No. 9 (Lesson 18) continue the journey line to the end of the 
journey at Antioch in Syria. 

LESSON TEACHINGS, WITH QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 

17. What delightful friendship was formed by Paul soon after reaching 
Corinth (Acts 18:2)? How was the strength of this friendship afterwards 
shown (vs. 18)? What was the closest tie between him and these 
friends ? 



70 Outline Bible Studies / Pr %%£? e 

18. How did Paul in Corinth show that he did not preach the Gospel 
for pecuniary gain (Acts 18:3)? Why did he do this ( 1 Cor. 9 : 11, 12)? 
What did he nevertheless teach as to the right of a minister to be sup- 
ported by the church (1 Cor. 9 : 13, 14) ? 

19. How did the Lord comfort Paul in Corinth (Acts 18:9, 10)? 
What did he say of God's comforting grace (2 Cor. 1:3, 4) ? How 
did Paul regard his afflictions (2 Cor. 4: 17, 18) ? What is the design of 
all afflictions (Heb. 12: 11)? 

20. What did Paul mean by preaching Christ and Him crucified (1 Cor. 
2:2)? What should be the central theme of all preaching? 

TOPICS FOR SPECIAL INVESTIGATION AND THOUGHT. 

I. The possible movements of Timothy and Silas after their separation 
from Paul in Beroea and their rejoining him in Corinth. 2. The character 
of Aquila and Priscilla as shown in the New Testament notices respecting 
them. 3. Paul's perfect consistency in accepting support in one place and 
refusing it in another. 4. Paul's method of securing a foothold in a 
strange place, and beginning his missionary work. 5. Jewish vows. 



Lesson 21. PAUL'S AFFECTION FOR THE THESSA- 

LONIANS. His Longing to Revisit them, and his 

Messages of Comfort. 

Selections from 1 and 2 Thessalonians. Written from Corinth, about A.D. 53. 

Note 37. — The first Epistle to the Thessalonians was written by Paul from Corinth 
a few months after the founding of the church in Thessalonica. This church was com- 
posed for the most part of Gentiles who had joyfully received the Gospel, but who had 
quickly been deprived of Paul's instructions and guidance by the persecution which 
drove him away. His anxiety concerning them was intense. He made several attempts 
to return, but " Satan hindered " him. Finally he sent back Timothy from Athens to 
visit and comfort them. 

Timothy rejoined Paul in Corinth. The cheering news that he brought of the faith 
and love of the Thessalonian converts, and of their steadfastness in persecution, lifted 
Paul from the depths of despondency to the pinnacle of joy and gratitude. He im- 
mediately dispatched to them a letter in which he poured out his heart in thanksgiving 
for their fidelity, in affection for them personally, in comfort and encouragement in 
view of their manifold trials, and in such instructions as were especially adapted to 
their needs. Instruction, however, was only incidental. The letter had a higher aim. 
It was a substitute for a personal visit by Paul, and sought to bind the church closer to 
himself in the bonds of Christian confidence and love. 

The second Epistle was written a short time after the first, and supplements it. It 
treats of the same general topics, which in some instances are expanded for the pur- 



Tw/nty-one. The Thwc Great Apostles. 7/ 

pose of correcting misapprehensions raised by the first letter. This is especially true 
in respect to the hope of the speedy coming again of Christ, which seems to have 
formed a more prominent element in the early, than in the later, preaching of Paul. 

GOLDEN TEXT : " The Lord direct your hearts into the love of 
God, and into the patience of Christ." (2 Thes. 3:5.) 

SCRIPTURE, to be read in school or class : 1 Thes., ch. 1. 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS. 

Note 38. — The two passages, 1 Thes. 2 : 1-12, Paul's description of his ministry in 
Thessalonica, and ch. 3, Paul comforted by news from Thessalonica, have already 
been considered in Lesson 19 and 20, but should be.carefully read again in connection 
with the present lesson. 

Monday i l T nes -> ch. 1 ; \ Paul's Thanksgiving for the Thessalo- 

" \ I Thes. 2: 13-20. J nians, and Anxiety to Revisit them. 

Tuesday I Thes. 4 : 1-12. Warning against Heathen Vices. 

WEDNESDAY. ... I Thes. 4: 13 — 5: 11. The Cuming again of the Lord. 

THURSDAY I Thes. 5 : 12-28. Various Exhortations. 

FRIDAY 2 Thes., ch. 1. Further Thanksgiving and Comfort. 

Saturday 2 Thes., ch. 2. Errors Concerning the Advent Corrected. 

Sunday 2 Thes., ch. 3. Closing Exhortations and Instructions. 

REVIEW AND PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS. 

I. How did Paul begin his work in Corinth? 2. Why did he transfer 
his work from the Jews to the Gentiles? 3. From what did he suffer 
during the early part of this work? 4. In what two ways was he greatly 
comforted? 5. How long did this ministry in Corinth continue? 6. How 
did the conspiracy of the Jews against Paul succeed? 7. Where did he 
stop on his way to Antioch in Syria? 8. What is the title of this lesson? 
its Golden Text ? 

THE LESSON OUTLINE, WITH WRITTEN-ANSWER QUESTIONS. 

Paul's Joy over the Thessalonians. Scattered References. 
1. Mention some of the reasons for thanksgiving which Paul found in 
the church at Thessalonica. 

1 Thes. 1 : 3. 

1 Thes. 2 : 13. 

2 Thes. 1 : 3. 

2 Thes. 2 : 13, 14. 



72 Outline Bible Studies : Pr %Z2Z" 

2. Under what circumstances had they received the word? (i Thes. 
1:6.) 



3. How had they proved their zeal and devotion? (1 Thes. 1 : 7, 8.) 



4. From whom had they suffered persecution? (1 Thes. 2 : 14.) 



5. How did Paul express his longing for them? (1 Thes. 2 : 17, 18.) 



6. What led him to glory in them among the churches? (2 Thes. 
1:4.) 



7. For what were these their sufferings a manifest preparation? 
(2 Thes. 1 : 5.) 



8. Upon whom would the impending judgment of God fall? (2 Thes. 
1:8,9.) 



9. In view of this retribution, what was Paul's prayer for the Thessa- 
lonians? (2 Thes. 1 : 11, 12.) 



10. What did he especially ask for himself in both Epistles? (1 Thes. 
5:25; 2 Thes. 3: 1, 2.) 



11. What confidence did he express regarding the Thessalonians ? 
(2 Thes. 3 : 3, 4.) 



TwentTone. The Three Great Apostles. 7 j 

The Coming Again of Christ. I Thes. 4: 13 — 5: 11 ; 2 Thes., ch. 2. 
12. How did Paul comfort his readers who mourned for Christian 
friends? (1 Thes. 4: 13-15 ; see Expl. Notes.) 



13. How did he describe the coming again of Christ? (1 Thes. 4: 
6, 17.) 



14. What teachings respecting the time of the advent did he emphasize 
(1 Thes. 5:1-3) 



15. What practical precept did he enforce? (1 Thes. 5 : 6.) 



16. What error respecting the time of the coming did he correct? 
(2 Thes. 2:1,2.) 



17. What signs would precede this coming? (2 Thes. 2 : 3-6.) 



LESSON TEACHINGS, WITH QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 

18. Why did Paul rejoice so heartily over his Thessalonian converts? 
What is the greatest reason for joy concerning any one ? Why is there so 
little of this kind of joy now? 

19. How did Paul feel toward the Thessalonians (1 Thes. 2: II, 17-19) ? 
On what was this affliction based? In what sense were they his " crown 
of glorying' 1 ? Who will have a similar reward (co7np. Jas. 5: 19, 20; 
Dan. 12:3)? 

20. What was the general expectation of the early church respecting 
the coming again of Christ (Jas. 5 : 8, 9 ; 1 Pet. 4:7; 1 Thes. 4 : 15-17) ? 
What did our Lord say on this point (Mt. 24:32-36)? What constant 
duty did He emphasize (Mt. 24:44)? How may this duty best be ful- 
filled? 

TOPICS FOR SPECIAL INVESTIGATION AND THOUGHT. 

I. The object and date of each of the Epistles to the Thessalonians. 
2. Paul's character as self-reveaied in these Epistles. 3. The character 
of his missionary preaching. 4. The prominence in his early preaching 
of the coming again of Christ. 5. The Christian's comfort in the pres- 
ence of death. 



74 Outline Bible Studies : Pr £iZJe!' ve 

Lesson 22. PAUL'S ANXIETY FOR THE GALATIANS. 
His Efforts to Save them from False Teachers. 

Selections from Galatians. Written about A.D. 53 or 54; place uncertain. 

Note 39. — It is possible that Paul's Epistle to the Galatians was written at Corinth, 
or while he was on the way home from his second missionary journey. It seems more 
probable, however, that it was written from Antioch during the interval between his 
second and third journeys. On the return from Corinth Timothy would very naturally 
leave Paul at Ephesus, in order to return by the great overland trade route to his home 
in Lystra. In this case he would, on arriving in Galatia, learn of the strange defection 
in the churches there, and as a faithful friend of Paul inform him of it at once. 
Whether this information reached Paul in this or in some other way the Epistle was 
evidently written under the pressure of sudden and unexpected news. 

The method followed by the Judaizers consisted in undermining the love of the 
Galatians for Paul, and in destroying their confidence both in his apostolic authority 
and in the Gospel preached by him. The situation demanded immediate action. 
Apparently unable to visit these churches at once, Paul wrote them an Epistle which 
prepared the way for his coming. In this he defended his apostolic authority, rebuked 
the Galatians for their fickleness and folly in permitting themselves to be led from the 
freedom of the Gospel into the beggarly bondage of the law, and presented an argu- 
ment for the truth and superiority of the Gospel so conclusive that his triumph over 
the Judaizers in Galatia was complete. 

GOLDEN TEXT : " The law hath been our tutor to bring us unto 
Christ, that we might be justified by faith." (Gal. 3:24.) 

SCRIPTURE, to be read in school or class : Gal. 5 : 2-12. 
DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS. 

(A brief analysis of the Epistle to the Galatians.) 

Paul's Rebuke of the Galatian Apostasy, 
Paul's Defense of his Apostleship. 

Paul's Argument for the Freedom of 
the Gentiles from the Jewish Law. 

General Exhortations, and Conclusion. 

REVIEW AND PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS. 

i . Mention in order the places visited by Paul on his first missionary 
journey; on his second journey. 2. When and where did he write the 
two letters to the Thessalonians? 3. What was his object in writing 
them ? 4. What was there in the conduct of the Thessalonians that occa- 
sioned him great joy? 5. How did he express this joy? 6. What ques- 
tion concerning the coming again of Christ distressed the Thessalonians? 
7. How did Paul answer it? 8. Against what error did he warn them? 
9. What is the title of this lesson? its Golden Text? 



Monday . . . . 


f Gal. 1 : 1- 10. 
\Gal. 1 : n-24; 


} 


Tuesday 


• . .Gal., ch. 2. 


Wkdnesday . 


. . .Gal. 3: 1-22; 




Thursday . . . 


...Gal. 3: 23—4 


: 11 


Friday 


Gal. 4 : 1 2 — 5 : 


: *; 


Saturday . . . 


Gal. 5 : 2-26 




Sunday 


. . Gal., ch. 6. 





Twentymo. The Three Great Apostles. y 5 

THE LESSON OUTLINE, WITH WRITTEN-ANSWER QUESTIONS. 

Note 40. —Summary of Gal., Chs. i and 2. In the introduction (1: 1-5) 
Paul asserts most forcibly that his appointment as an Apostle came not from men, but 
from jesus Christ Himself. Then he expresses his amazement at the sudden defection 
of the Galatians and sharply denounces those who have caused it (1:6-10). The 
historical facts presented in 1 : 11— 2: 21 have been considered in Lessons 14 and 17. 
Paul's reason for presenting them becomes clear in the light of the circumstances which 
occasioned the Epistle (see Note 39). He shows by the very facts of his life, both as a 
Pharisee and as a Christian, that he was not a recreant disciple of the other Apostles, 
but himself an Apostle having a direct commission, independent of the other Apostles, 
and recognized by them. 

Paul's Defense of Christian Liberty. Gal. 1 : 1 — 5 : 26. 
1. What distressing news came to Paul about the time of his return 
from his second missionary journey? (Gal. 1 : 6, 7 ; Note 39.) 



2. In writing to the Galatians what did he emphasize concerning him- 
self, and why? (Gal. 1 : 1 , 1 1, 12, 16, 17 ; 2 : 9.) 



3. What did he say of any who preached a Gospel different from that 
which he had pre.iched? (Gal. 1 : 8, 9.) 



4. In attempting to recall the Galatians to the Gospel of Christ, of what 
facts in their own experience did he remind them? (Gal. 3: 1-5; see 
Expl. Notes.) 



Note 41. — Paul's argument (3:1 — 5:26) implies that the Galatians had been 
urged and were inclined to accept the teachings of the Judaizers and to subject them- 
selves to the Jewish law in order that they might become " children of Abraham," and 
therefore, according to the Jewish notion, spiritually free, that is, justified from sin and 
saved. In reply Paul shows that Abraham's true children are those who like him are 
justified by their faith ; these alone are spiritually free ; while those who seek justifica- 
tion by the works of the law are in bondage, not freedom ; under a curse, not blessed. 

5. How was Abraham justified? (Gal. 3 : 6.) 



6. How may the Gentiles become the spiritual sons of Abraham ? (Gal. 
3:7-90 



7. Why does the law bring a curse on those who try to save themselves 
by keeping it? (Gal. 3: 10-12.) 



7 6 Outline Bible Studies : ^TgSg" 

8. How were the Jews redeemed from this curse? (Gal. 3 : 13.) 

9. What resulted to the Gentiles from this redemption? (Gal. 3 : 14.) 



to. If justification could not come through the law, why was the law 
en? (Gal. 3: 19; see Expl. Note, and references.) 



11. What was its special office? (Gal. 3: 24. Golden Text.) 

12. Instead of being minors and bondmen under the law, what do men 
become under the Gospel? (Gal. 4: 1-7.) 



13. In view of this new and higher relation now open to them, how had 
the Galatians shown their foolishness? (Gal. 4 : 8-1 1.) 



Note 42. — In vss. 12-20 Paul pleads with the Galatians to believe him because of 
his love for them, and accuses his opponents of seeking them " in no good way," that 
is, to their injury. Then follows (vss. 21-31) an allegorical argument from the family 
of Abraham, showing that those who become children of Abraham through the law 
rather than by faith, enter his family as bond-servants and not as children. 

14. To what did Paul in closing exhort the Galatians? (Gal. 5:1.) 



15. What would follow if the Galatians submitted to circumcision? 
(Gal. 5 : 2-4.) 



16. In his confidence that they would refuse to be subject to the Jewish 
ceremonial law, what other law did he exhort them to obey? (Gal. 5: 
13. I4-) 



17. How were they to show that henceforth they were not under the 
law? (Gal. 5; 18-26.) 



Twenty-three. The ThrCC GrCilt Apostles. 77 

LESSON TEACHINGS, WITH QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 

iS. What had the Galatians received through faith (Gal. 3:2)? How 
alone can men be justified (Gal. 2: 16)? What is it to have faith in 
Christ? 

ig. What do we become through God's grace in Christ (Gal. 4:4, 5)? 
What inward assurance of this is given (Gal. 4:6; Rom. 8: 15, 16)? 
What is it to be a child of God? 

20. Unto what are Christians called (Gal. 5 : 13^) ? Against what must 
they guard themselves (Gal. 5: 13^)? How can those under the Gospel 
fulfil the law (Gal. 5:14; J as. 2 : 8) ? 

TOPICS FOR SPECIAL INVESTIGATION AND THOUGHT. 

I. The date of the Epistle to the Galatians. 2. Reasons why the 
Judaizers so persistently strove to undo Paul's work. 3. Paul's personal 
relations to the Galatians as reflected in his Epistle. 4. The time ordi- 
narily required for establishing with a number of churches such close and 
intimate relations as are here indicated. 5. How this fact bears on the 
identification of the Galatian churches with those founded on the first 
journey, rather than with unknown churches supposed to have been 
founded during a brief detour. 



Lesson 23. PAUL'S GREAT SUCCESS IN EPHESUS. 
The Third Missionary Journey Begun. 

Acts 18: 23 — 19:41. About A.D. 54-57. 

Note 43. — The cordial reception accorded to Paul by the Jews in Ephesus on his 
way from Corinth to Syria determined him to return as soon as possible and to devote 
whatever time he could to a ministry in that large metropolis of Western Asia. 

After a brief stay at Antioch in Syria Paul began his third missionary journey. His 
first work was among the Galatian churches. If any remnant of Judaistic influence 
remained it was completely destroyed by his personal presence. This was apparently 
his last visit to these first-fruits of his work among the Gentiles. 

It will be remembered that on leaving Corinth Paul took Priscilla and Aquila to 
Ephesus. Here, after his departure, they met a learned Alexandrian Jew named 
Apollos, who had received John's baptism, but was apparently ignorant of the fulfil- 
ment of John's mission in the ministry of Jesus of Nazareth. His deficiencies were 
supplied by the instructions given him by Priscilla and Aquila, and forthwith he began 
with great power to proclaim Jesus as the Messiah. Crossing over to Corinth, shortly 
before Paul returned to Ephesus, he preached there also with great eloquence. 

Paul's expectation of success among the Jews in Ephesus was not realized. After a 
few months he separated himself and his converts from the synagogue, and then began 
a direct work among the Gentiles. This work continued nearly three years, and was 



78 Outline Bible Studies : *!&!$?' 

attended by such success that the influence of the Gospel was felt throughout the great 
province of Asia. At this time, probably, the seven churches of Asia (Rev., chs. 2, 3) 
were founded. 

GOLDEN TEXT : " Wherefore watch ye, remembering that by the 
space of three years I ceased not to admonish every one night and day 
with tears." (Acts 20 : 31.) 

SCRIPTURE, to be read in school or class : Acts 19 : 8-20. 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS. 

{Acts 18: 23. Paul's Last Visit to Galatia. 

Acts 18 : 24-28. Apollos at Ephesus and at Corinth. 

Acts 19 : 1-7. Disciples of John Rebaptized by Paul. 

Tuesday Acts 19 : 8-22. Two Years of Great Success in Ephesus. 

Wednesday Acts 19 : 23-41. Demetrius and the Silversmiths. 

Thursday 1 Cor. 16 : 1-14. A " Great Door " Opened in Ephesus. 

Friday 2 Cor. 1 : 1-14. Paul's Sore Afflictions in Asia. 

Saturday 2 Cor., ch. 4. The Faithfulness of Paul's Ministry. 

SUNDAY 2 Cor. 6 : 1-13. Reminiscences of Paul's Sufferings. 

REVIEW AND PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS. 

I. About the time of Paul's return from his second missionary journey, 
what did he learn concerning the churches in Galatia? 2. What did he 
do at once to counteract this evil? 3. Why was he at such pains to defend 
his authority as an Apostle? 4. How did he show that no one could be 
saved by keeping the law? 5. How would any one's attempt to be saved 
in this way nullify the work of Christ in his behalf ? 6. From what exalted 
relationship to God were their new teachers trying to drag the Galatians 
down? 7. What led Paul to return to Ephesus as soon as he could (Note 
43)? 8. What were the characteristics of the three missionary journeys 
(Remark 11, inAftfl.)? 9. What is the title of this lesson? its Golden 
Text? 

THE LESSON OUTLINE, WITH WRITTEN-ANSWER QUESTIONS. 

Three Years of Success in Ephesus. Acts 18: 23 — 19: 22. 

1. Describe the beginning of Paul's third missionary journey. (Acts 
18:23.) 

2. What important event occurred in Ephesus about this time? (18: 
24-28.) 



3. What incident occurred at the opening of Paul's ministry there ? (19 
-70 



4. Where did he begin his work? (19: 8.) 



Lesson 
Twenty-three. 



The Three Great Apostles. 



79 



5. How were the expectations raised by his previous experience (18: 
19-21) disappointed? (19:9.) 



6. What success did he have afterwards? (19: 10.) 




A t\RAN EAN or G\REAT SEA 



Map No. 10. For Tracing a Part of St. Paul's Third Missionary Journey. 

Note 44. — As this lesson is studied trace on the map Paul's route to Ephesus. It 
is the same as that of the second journey as far as Antioch of Pisidia. 

7. How was his miraculous power shown? (19: 11, 12.) 



8. How were his Jewish imitators brought to confusion? (19 : 13-16.) 



9. How did this affect the progress of the Gospel? (19: 17-20.) 



10. At this time what were Paul's extensive plans for the future? (19 
21, 22, covip. 1 Cor. 16: 3-1 1.) 



80 Outline Bible Studies : '(frad?™ 

The Uproar in Ephesus. Acts 19: 23-41. 

11. Describe the occasion of the riot in Ephesus. (Acts 19: 23-27.) 

12. What resulted from the appeal of Demetrius to his fellow-craftsmen? 
(vss. 28, 29.) 



13. What friends interposed for Paul's safety? (vss. 30, 31.) 



14. What started the maddened cry of the mob? (vss. 32-34.) 



15. How was the tumult quieted and the mob dispersed? (vss. 35-41.) 



WESSON TEACHINGS, WITH QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 

16. How was the Gospel in Ephesus seriously opposed (Acts 19:24- 
27)? What was the real ground of this opposition? How is similar 
opposition to the Gospel now manifested? 

17. How is love of gain related to other evils (1 Tim. 6:10)? Why 
cannot one love both God and money (Mt. 6 : 24) ? What should be our 
attitude toward the things of this world (1 Cor. 7:31; 1 Tim. 6 : 17-19) ? 

18. How does the riot in Ephesus illustrate one effect of Christianity 
(Mt. 10 : 34) ? What is the reason for this conflict? What is its certain 
issue ? 

19. How does Paul refer to some of his experiences in Ephesus (1 Cor. 
15 : 32 ; 2 Cor. 1 : 8-10) ? Why was he undismayed even in the greatest 
danger (2 Cor. 4: 16-18)? What glimpse of his character is here given? 
What is there in this worthy of our imitation ? 

TOPICS FOR SPECIAL INVESTIGATION AND THOUGHT. 

I. Paul's rebaptism of the disciples of John : (a) reasons that prompted 
it ; (£) whether it was an exceptional case ; (c) whether others, such as 
the disciples of Jesus, who had received John's baptism were also rebap- 
tized. 2. Reasons for the extraordinary display of miracles in connection 
with Paul's ministry in Ephesus. 3. The weapons with which Paul met 
and conquered his opponents. 4. The characteristic features of a mob. 
5. How the mob at Ephesus formed a typical illustration of human nature. 



Twenty-four. The Three Great Apostles. 81 

Lesson 24. PAUL'S PLEA FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY. 
His Efforts for Harmony in the Church at Corinth. 

i Cor. i : io — 3 : 17. Written from Ephesus, about A.d. 57. 

Note 45. — The presence in Corinth of Apollos, the learned and eloquent Alexan- 
drian (see Note 43), caused quite a diversion in his favor. Not that he consciously 
antagonized the influence of Paul or sought to win the hearts of his converts ; but the 
brilliancy of his style so greatly attracted some that they attached themselves to him. 
Others clung with undiminished loyalty to Paul, their spiritual father. From the fact 
that there was also a party calling itself by the name of Cephas, or Peter, it is possible 
that he may have visited Corinth during Paul's absence, and that some may have felt 
disposed to accept him as their leader because of his relation to Christ and to the 
other Apostles. There seems also to have been a fourth party, which rejected all 
human leadership and called itself by the name of Christ. All these factions appear to 
have originated in personal preferences for certain religious teachers rather than in 
doctrinal differences. 

During Paul's long ministry in Ephesus he was in frequent communication with the 
Corinthian church. He was greatly distressed not only by this party spirit, but also 
because of errors and corrupt practices which had obtained a footing. In a letter, the 
first of the two surviving Epistles of this church, written partly because of information 
conveyed through messengers (1 Cor. 1: 11), and partly in response to a letter of 
inquiry (1 Cor. 7:1), he addressed himself to the task of correcting the existing evils, 
and of imparting the needed instruction. 

GOLDEN TEXT: "Other foundation can no man lay than that 
which is laid, which is Jesus Christ." (1 Cor. 3:11.) 

SCRIPTURE, to be read in school or class. 1 Cor. 3 : 1-9. 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS. 

Monday 1 Cor. 1 : 1-17. Introduction. The Factions in Corinth. 

TUESDAY I Cor. I : 1S-31 ; \ The Simplicity of Paul's Preaching and 

WEDNESDAY 1 Cor. 2 : 1 — 3 : 4. J the Reasons for it. 

Thursday I Cor. 3:5-17. Ministers Nothing, the Work Every- 

thing. 

Friday 1 Cor., ch. 8. Concerning Things Sacrificed to Idols. 

Saturday 1 Cor. 10 : 1-22. Warnings against Idolatry. 

Sunday. 1 Cor. 11 : 17-34. Disorders at the Lord's Supper Re- 

proved. 

REVIEW AND PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS. 

1. What is related concerning Apollos at Ephesus? 2. What, about the 
disciples of John whom Paul sent there? 3. Where did Paul begin his 
work in Ephesus? 4. What was his success after he transferred his work 
to the Gentiles? 5. Relate the incident concerning the Jewish exorcists. 
6. What led to the uproar in Ephesus? 7. How was it quieted? 8. What 
led Paul to write the letter known as 1 Corinthians (Note 45) ? 9. What 
is the title of this lesson? its Golden Text? 



82 Outline Bible Studies : Pr °G g ™d? e 

THE LESSON OUTLINE, WITH WRITTEN-ANSWER QUESTIONS. 

Party Spirit in Corinth Condemned, i Cor. i : 10 — 3: 17. 
Note 46. — In this passage Paul first (1 : 10-17) describes the factions in the church 
at Corinth; he then (1:18 — 3:15) shows the unreasonableness of the grounds on 
which these factions were based, and finally (3 : 16, 17) solemnly warns his readers 
against the sin of breaking the unity of the church. 

i. What did Paul urge on his converts in Corinth? (1 Cor. 1 : 10.) 



2. Why did he make this request? (1 : 11.) 

3. What four parties had sprung up in the church? (1 : 12 ; Note 45.) 

4. How did Paul at the outset rebuke this party spirit? (1 : 13.) 



5. For what was he thankful concerning his ministry in Corinth? (1 
14-16.) 



6. What had been his special mission there? (1 : 17.) 

7. How did he describe " the word of the cross 11 ? (1:18, 24.) 



8. How was this preaching regarded by Jews and by Greeks? (1 : 22, 
23.) 



9. What nevertheless was it in fact? (1 : 24, 25.) 



Note 47. — In 1 Cor. 1 : 26 — 2 : 16 Paul reminded the Corinthians that their church 
was composed of those whose intellectual and spiritual condition was so low that 
they were unable to understand any but the simplest preaching. 

10. What did the quarrels of the Corinthians prove concerning them? 
(3:i-4.) 



T-w L /nt S y7our. The Three Great Apostles. Sj 

ii. How should they regard all their ministers? (3 : 5-7.) 

12. In what are all ministers essentially one? (3 : 8, 9.) 



13. How did Paul describe his own relation to the work in Corinth? 
(3: 10, 11.) 



14. How was the work of other teachers to be tested? (3 : 12, 13.) 



15. Why was it important for each one that his own work should stand 
the test? (3 : 14, 15.) 



16. What judgment would overtake those who by their divisions were 
destroying the church which had thus been built up? (3 : 16, 17.) 



LESSON TEACHINGS, WITH QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 

17. Why did Paul attach such importance to unity in the church? 
What was the special burden of Christ's prayer for His disciples (Jo. 17: 
11, 20-23) ? How far is this unity consistent with the existence of differ- 
ent denominations? 

18. What did the cross of Christ mean to Paul (1 Cor. 1: 18, 24)? 
Why is the preaching of the cross an offense and foolishness to the world? 
Why should it nevertheless be preached? What is the preaching of the 
cross able to do for the world? 

19. What is the church's one Foundation (1 Cor. 3:11, Golden Text)? 
What kind of superstructures can be built on this Foundation? How will 
they be tested ? While this warning is especially directed to Christian 
teachers, in what sense may it be applied to every one? 

TOPICS FOR SPECIAL INVESTIGATION AND THOUGHT. 

I. The first (lost) letter of Paul to the Corinthians (1 Cor. 5:9-11). 
2. The date and occasion of the surviving first Epistle to this church. 3. 
The essential unity of the church in Christ. 4. The evil of everything 
that breaks this unity. 5. The humble social status of the early Chris- 
tians. 6. Why the preaching of the cross was a stumbling-block to the 
Jews, and folly to the Gentiles. 



84 Outline Bible Studies : ^ci™*™ 

Lesson 25. PAUL'S ESTIMATE OF CHRISTIAN 
LOVE. Love Greater than All Gifts. 

i Cor., ch. 13. 

Note 48. — The great evidence of conversion in the apostolic age was the gift of the 
Holy Spirit, and this was commonly accompanied, as at Pentecost, by a variety of other 
" gifts." Among these one of the most conspicuous was that known as the gift of 
tongues. This ecstatic but unintelligible utterance of fervid devotion impressed the 
unthinking multitude far more than other more useful but less showy gifts. At Corinth 
especially its value was exaggerated, and hence greatly coveted, while other gifts much 
more important to the individual and to the church were undervalued. In answer 
to a direct inquiry from the Corinthians Paul discussed the relative value of those 
spiritual gifts. He taught that this gift, which so greatly flattered their vanity and love 
of popular applause, held a very subordinate rank. He did not despise it, but so small 
was its practical value that he affirmed, " I had rather speak five words with my under- 
standing, that I might instruct others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue." 

While showing the comparative worth of various gifts, and exhorting the Corinthians 
to desire the greater ones, he tells them that he had " a still more excellent way " to 
show them. Thereupon he indited that immortal pean to Christian love which is 
universally recognized as one of the noblest and most eloquent utterances, not only in 
the Bible, but in the world's literature. 

GOLDEN TEXT : " Now abideth faith, hope, love, these three ; and 
the greatest of these is love." (i Cor. 13 : 13.) 

SCRIPTURE, to be read in school or class. 1 Cor., ch. 13. 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS. 

Monday I Cor. 12 : i-n. Diversity of Spiritual Gifts. 

Tuesday 1 Cor. 12 : 12-31. Each Gift Needed in its Place. 

Wednesday. . 1 Cor., ch. 13. Love Greater than All Gifts. 

Thursday . ..i Cor. 14: 1-12; ) The Gift of Prophecy Better than the Gift 

Friday 1 Cor. 14 : 13-25. f of Tongues. 

Saturday . . . i Cor. 14: 26-40. Orderly Conduct in Public Assemblies. 

Sunday Eph. 4 : 1-16. The Purpose of All Gifts. 

REVIEW AND PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS. 

1. What four parties had appeared in the church at Corinth? 2. How 
did Paul regard this party spirit? 3. What had been the burden of his 
preaching in Corinth? 4. How was this regarded by Jews and Greeks? 

5. Of what classes in society was the Corinthian church composed? 

6. What Foundation had Paul laid there? 7. How had others built upon 
it? 8. How was each man's work to be tried? 9. Against what were the 
Corinthians earnestly warned? 10. What spiritual gift was especially 
prized at Corinth, and why (Note 48)? 11. What did Paul commend to 
them as greater than all gifts? 12. What is the title of this lesson? its 
Golden Text? 



TwenWve. The Three Great Apostles. 85 

THE LESSON OUTLINE, WITH WRITTEN-ANSWER QUESTIONS. 

Note 49.— Paul's Estimate of Spiritual Gifts. The chapter which forms 
the subject of the present lesson is included in a section (chs. 12-14) of Paul's first 
Epistle to the Corinthians in which he discusses the comparative value of spiritual gifts 
(Note 48). In the early church every useful qualification was regarded as a "gift" 
from the Holy Spirit. Some of these gifts were simply ordinary endowments stimulated 
by the Holy Spirit and consecrated to Christian service; others were special manifes- 
tations of the power of God working through men, such as healing the sick, working 
miracles, prophesying, speaking with tongues. One or more of these special gifts was 
bestowed in varying measure upon different members of the church ; the Apostles pos- 
sessed several of them. For the upbuilding of the church all these gifts were at that 
time necessary, and all equally honorable, though not equally important. All were 
worthless, however, unless controlled by love, which all might possess and freely 
exercise. 

All Gifts Worthless without Love. 1 Cor. 13: 1-3. 

1. How did Paul show the worthlessness of the gift of tongues if unac- 
companied by love? (1 Cor. 13: 1.) 



2. How, the worthlessness of the gift of prophecy? (vs. 2a.) 



3. How, the worthlessness of faith? (vs. 20.) 



4. How, the worthlessness of benevolence and self-sacrifice? (vs. 3.) 



The Characteristics of Love. 1 Cor. 13:4-7. 
5. Mention the first five characteristics of the grace of Christian love. 
(1 Cor. 13:4.) 



6. Mention the next four. (vs. 5.) 
6 8 



86 Outline Bible Studies : Pr Grad/ ve 

7. Mention the next two. (vs. 6.) 

10 11 

8. Mention the last four. (vs. 7.) 

12 14 



13 15 

The Permanency of Love. 1 Cor. 13:8-13. 
9. In what respects are the gifts of tongues, prophecy, and knowledge 
inferior to love? (1 Cor. 13:8.) 



10. Why are the gifts of knowledge and prophecy essentially transient? 
(vs. 9.) 



11. When shall these imperfect gifts be done away? (vs. 10.) 

12. How did Paul illustrate this? (vs. 11.) 

13. Why is all earthly knowledge imperfect? (vs. 120.) 



14. What will be the character of knowledge in the heavenly life? (vs. 

1 2b.) 

15. What relation does love sustain to the permanent graces? (vs. 
13, Golden Text.) 



LESSON TEACHINGS, WITH QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 

16. How does Paul compare love and faith (1 Cor. 13: 2, 13)? What 
is the nature of that faith to which he refers in vs. 2? What is implied 
concerning faith in vs. 13? What is the faith that endures to all eternity? 

17. How does Christian love reveal itself in relation to one's fellow-men 
(1 Cor. 13:4, 5)? How does it enable us to meet the many irri- 
tations of life? How does it oppose malice and ill-will? How does it 



Tw/n/yZx. The Three Great Apostles. 87 

help us to overcome discontent? What is the Source of this love (1 Jo. 
4:7)? Who are its objects (1 Jo. 4 : 1 1, 20, 21) ? How would its univer- 
sal exercise affect the world? 

18. What was the knowledge referred to in 1 Cor. 13:2? How much 
of this knowledge do we now have? Why may we expect that the myster- 
ies of this life will become clear in the other life? What are some of the 
things that we should know there? Mention some that we probably shall 
know. 

19. What does Paul call love in comparison with faith and hope? Why 
does he do this? In whom does love find its highest manifestation (1 Jo. 
4:8)? How may we become the most like God? 

TOPICS FOR SPECIAL INVESTIGATION AND THOUGHT. 

I. Paul the Apostle of faith. 2. Paul the Apostle of love. 3. What 
life would be without love. 4. Love as a factor in society. 5. Why love 
is the most difficult grace to attain. 6. The three immortal graces. 



Lesson 26. REVIEW OF LESSONS 14-25. 

Note 50. — Summary of Events in Lessons 14-25. 1. Paul's Training and 
Missionary Work. — Paul's training included his preaching in Damascus, his retirement 
into Arabia, his first visit to Jerusalem to see Peter, his labors in Cilicia and Syria, the 
years spent with Barnabas in Antioch, and his visit to Jerusalem to carry alms (Les. 
14). The First Missionary Journey, undertaken by Barnabas, Saul, and John Mark, 
began with a tour of Cyprus, and after the return of John Mark, continued in Antioch of 
Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe, and resulted in the establishment of the Galatian 
churches (Less. 15, 16). The Council in Jerusalem, necessitated by the presence of 
Judaizers at Antioch in Syria, took Paul to Jerusalem a third time, and resulted in 
freeing the Gentiles from bondage to the Jewish law (Les. 17). The Second Mission- 
ary Journey, undertaken by Paul and Silas, began by revisiting the Galatian churches, 
where, at Lystra, Timothy joined the missionary company. Led by the Spirit they 
proceeded to Troas, and thence to Philippi in Europe, where a church was planted 
(Les. 18). Driven from place to place by persecution Paul and his company went 
from Philippi to Thessalonica, where another church was established, and thence to 
Bercea, whence Paul proceeded alone to Athens where he had small success (Les. 19). 
From Athens he passed on to Corinth where in a ministry of about a year and a half 
he founded one of his chief churches. Thence he returned to Antioch in Syria by 
way of Jerusalem, this being his fourth visit there since his conversion (Les. 20). The 
Third Missionary Journey began like the second by revisiting the Galatian churches, 
whence Paul passed on to Ephesus, where in a ministry of nearly three years he estab- 
lished a large church and made the Gospel felt throughout the province of Asia (Les. 
23). The above training and work extended over a period of about twenty-two years. 

2. Pauls Epistles Written During this Period. — During Paul's ministry in Corinth 
on his second missionary journey he wrote the two Epistles to the Thessalonians, ex- 
pressing his joy over their Christian steadfastness and giving them instructions con- 



88 Outline Bible Studies : ^TSZSlt* 

cerningthe coming again of Christ (Les. 21). Possibly at Corinth or on his way back 
to Antioch, but more likely after his arrival in that city, he wrote the Epistle to the Gala- 
tians in order to counteract the work of the Judaizers in Galatia (Les. 22). While at 
Ephesus on his third journey he wrote the first Epistle to the Corinthians. In this he 
condemned the party spirit and corrected the abuses and immoralities that had sprung 
up among them, and replied to certain questions asked him by the church (Less. 24, 
25). 

GOLDEN TEXT: " When that which is perfect is come, that which 
is in part shall be done away." (1 Cor. 13 : 10.) 

SCRIPTURE, to be read in school or class : 1 Cor. 15 : 1-11. 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS. PAUL'S ADDRESSES. 

Monday Acts 13 : 13-25; ^| 

Tuesday Acts 13 : 26-41 ; \ To the Jews in Antioch of Pisidia. 

Wednesday Acts 13 : 42-52. j 

Thursday Acts 14 : 8-18. To the People in Lystra. 

Friday Gal. 2 : 1 1-21. To Peter at Antioch in Syria. 



Saturday Acts 



17:16-23;! 
17:24-34. / 



To the Athenians on Mars' Hill. 



Sunday Acts 

GOLDEN TEXT RESPONSIVE SERVICE. 

(To be used in place of the regular Scripture Reading with this lesson. The numerals with 
the questions refer to the lessons of the quarter.) 

XIV. Superintendent {or Teacher}. How did Paul respond to the 
divine call to become an Apostle? 

Sunday-school {or Class). ''Wherefore, O king Agrippa, I was not 
disobedient unto the heavenly vision." (Acts 26: 19.) 

XV. What prophecy did Paul quote in support of his mission to the 
Gentiles? 

" I have set thee for a light of the Gentiles, 
That thou shouldest be for salvation unto the uttermost part of the 
earth." (Acts 13 : 470.) 

XVI. What report did Paul and Barnabas bring back to Antioch as to 
the results of the first missionary journey? 

"When they were come, and had gathered the church together, they 
rehearsed all things that God had done with them, and how that he had 
opened a door of faith unto the Gentiles." (Acts 14 : 27.) 

XVII. What was the mission of Christ in respect to the Jewish law? 

" With freedom did Christ set us free : stand fast therefore, and be not 
entangled again in a yoke of bondage." (Gal. 5:1.) 

XVIII. What did Paul announce to the Philippian jailer as the way 
of salvation? 

"Believe on the Lord Jesus, and thou shalt be saved, thou and thy 
house." (Acts 16: 31.) 

XIX. What did he say to the Athenians about the closeness of God's 
relation to men ? 

" In him we live, and move, and have our being." (Acts 17 : 280.) 



Twenty^- T}lC T,lVee Great ApOStltS. 8Q 

XX. How did the Lord comfort Paul in Corinth? 

" The Lord said unto Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but 
speak, and hold not thy peace: for I am with thee. 11 (Acts 18:9, 10a.) 

XXI. What was Paul's supreme wish for his Thessalonian converts? 

" The Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patience 
of Christ. 11 (2 Thes. 3:5.) 

XXII. What was the office of the Mosaic law for the Jews? 

" The law hath been our tutor to bring us unto Christ, that we might be 
justified by faith. 11 (Gal. 3 : 24.) 

XXIII. What did Paul say concerning his ministry in Ephesus? 

" Wherefore watch ye, remembering that by the space of three years I 
ceased not to admonish every one night and day with tears. 11 (Acts 
20:31.) 

XXIV. What is the one and only Foundation of the Christian church? 
"Other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is 

Jesus Christ. 11 (1 Cor. 3:11.) 

XXV. What is the relation of love to the other permanent graces? 

" Now abideth faith, hope, love, these three ; and the greatest of these 
is love. 11 (1 Cor. 13: 13.) 

XXVI. Why are all spiritual gifts transitory in their nature? 

" When that which is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be 
done away. 11 (1 Cor. 13: 10.) 

QUESTIONS ON PAUL'S TRAINING AND MISSIONARY WORK. 

i. What is the title of Part III, and what years does it cover? 

2. State briefly opposite the following references the events to which 
they refer. 

Note 51. — These statements when complete will form an outline of the events 
studied during the quarter. An arrangement of them in tabular form before the eye 
assists greatly in fixing them in mind in chronological order. 

Acts 9: 19^-25. ) 
Gal. I : 16^-18. $ 

Acts 9 : 26-30. 

Acts 11 : 19-30. 

Acts 13: 1-12. 

Acts 13 : 13-52. 

Acts 14: 1-7. 

Acts 14: 8-20. 



go Outline Bible Studies : *TSZ5!!* 

Acts 14:21-28. 

Acts I5:i-3S- 

Gal. 2: 11-21. 

Acts 15 '.36— 16: 12. 

Acts 16: 13-40. 

Acts 17: 1-9. 

Acts 17: 10-15. 

Acts 17: 16-34. 

Acts 18: i-ii. 

Acts 18: 12-22. 

Acts 18:23 — 19: 22. 

Acts 19: 23-41. 

3. What seems to have been the purpose of Saul's long retirement into 
Arabia ? What occasioned his first visit to Jerusalem ? Where did he 
work for some years after that ? 

4. Mention in order the places visited by Paul on the first missionary 
journey. What churches were planted at that time ? 

5. What occasioned Paul's third visit to Jerusalem? What was the re- 
sult of this visit ? 

6. Mention in order the places visited by Paul on the second missionary 
journey. What conspicuous conversions occurred at Philippi? What 
churches were planted on this journey? 

7. What were the results of Paul's long ministry in Ephesus? What 
notable event occurred toward the close of his work there? How did this 
prove the power of his influence? 

8. At what places was Paul persecuted on his first missionary journey? 
Where, on the second journey? Who were usually his bitterest enemies? 

9. On maps Nos. 11, 12 (p. 91), trace St. Paul's routes on his first 
and second missionary journeys. 



Lesson 
Twenty-six. 



The Three Great Apostles. 



9* 



4- \ / ^G^ ,' .Tarsus ,c' 



«f< 6 Antioch ) « p* / O o 



\N 









^VOCHUS 



O^ 




Map No. II. For Tracing St. Paul's First Missionary Journey. 




Map No. 12. For Tracing St. Paul's Second Missionary Journev, 



Q2 Outline Bible Studies. ^ 

PAUI/S EPISTLES WRITTEN DURING THIS PERIOD. 

10. What was the occasion of the first Epistle to the Thessalonians? 
What, of the second? Where were they written? What do they teach 
concerning the coming again of Christ? What was the expectation of the 
early church regarding this coming? 

1 1 . What disturbing influence had invaded the churches in Galatia dur- 
ing Paul's second missionary journey? How did Paul meet this crisis? 
What did he say that Gentiles need not do in order to be saved? What 
must all do ? 

12. What disturbances occurred in the church at Corinth during Paul's 
ministry in Ephesus? How did he show the folly and sin of making 
parties around different ministers ? What did he say about the cross oi 
Christ? What, about the Foundation and upbuilding of the church? 

13. How did he show the Corinthians that all gifts were useless unless 
exercised in a spirit of love? Why is love greater than faith and hope? 

GENERAL QUESTIONS. 

14. What are the most prominent traits of character revealed in Jraui 
thus far? 

15. What policy did he pursue in selecting the places where he carried 
on his missionary operations? Among whom, in each place, did he com- 
monly begin his work? Why? 

16. How was Paul provided for on his missionary journeys? What 
general rule did he recognize, however, in respect to ministerial support? 

17. When and under what circumstances is Peter mentioned during this 
period? When did Peter, Paul, and John appear together? 

18. Write briefly below some of the fundamental truths which have been 
emphasized in the lessons of this quarter? 



T W c,ayTeven. The Three Great Apostles. 93 

Lesson 27. PAUL COLLECTING FUNDS FOR THE 

POOR IN JERUSALEM. His Second Tour in 

Macedonia and Greece. 

Acts 20: i~3<7; 1 Cor. 16: 1-4; 2 Cor., ehs. 7-9. About A.n. 57. 

Note 52. — In connection with the council in Jerusalem Paul and Barnabas were 
charged to " remember the poor," that is, the poor saints in Judea. On his third mis- 
sionary journey Paul took the so-called " great collection " for this purpose. The work 
began, probably at the outset of this journey, with his instructions to the Galatian 
churches alluded to in i Cor. 16: 1, and was carried on with great earnestness among 
all the churches established by Paul. He doubtless hoped thereby not only to relieve 
the necessities of the poor in Jerusalem, but also through this act of Christian good- 
will to assuage the bitterness of Jewish believers toward Gentile converts (Rom. 15 : 
16; 2 Cor. 9 : 12-14). This collection was the crowning phase of his struggle for the 
unity of the church conjoined with the freedom of the Gentiles from the Jewish law. 

Of Paul's movements while making this collection among the churches in Europe, 
we cannot be entirely certain, but from various notices in 2 Corinthians and in Acts, 
the following seems most probable. The letter called 1 Corinthians failed in correct- 
ing the abuses toward which it was aimed. Paul, therefore, apparently wrote the 
Corinthians another more severe letter (2 Cor. 2:4), now lost, and forwarded it by 
Titus, who ou his return was to meet Paul in Troas. Soon after the riot in Ephesus 
Paul went to Troas ; but being much disappointed at not finding Titus there, and 
greatly burdened in spirit as to the effect of this last letter, which he even regretted 
having written (2 Cor. 7 : 8), he hastened to Macedonia in order to meet Titus sooner. 

Here Paul, through the bitter attacks of his enemies, and his distress concerning 
Corinth, seems to have suffered greatly (2 Cor. 7:5). On meeting Titus, however, he 
was much comforted (2 Cor. 7 : 6, 7) by learning that the majority of the Corinthians 
were loyal to him, and that his letter had accomplished the desired result. He was 
also made indignant at the news that it had stimulated his enemies to circulate out- 
rageous calumnies against him. 

Being unable to proceed to Corinth at once Paul sent the letter now called 2 Corin- 
thians, in which he expressed his overflowing joy and gratitude for the faithfulness 
of the church, and strove to counteract the efforts of his detractors (see Notes 56, 58). 
Conspicuous in this letter is his renewed and urgent appeal for the great collection. It 
is this part of the Epistle which is considered in the present lesson. 

GOLDEN TEXT: "God loveth a cheerful giver." (2 Cor. 9:7^) 
SCRIPTURE, to be read in school or class : 2 Cor. 9 : 6-15. 
DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS. 

Monday i zCotl. \Ti 7 ■ \ Pau1 '* Sec f ond T T * Greece ' and his 

1 2 Cor. 7:5-12. J Anxieties on the Way. 

Tuesday 2 Cor. 1 : 1-14; 1 Reasons for Paul's Seeming Fickleness 

Wednesday ... .2 Cor. 1 : 15—2 : 4. j about Visiting Corinth. 

Thursday 2 ^ or - 8:I 7 I 55 Paul's Effort to Excite a Generous 

£ RIDAY 2 Cor. 8 : 16-9 : 5 ; I Rival in R t to th Great 

Saturday 2 Cor. 9: 6-15; Collection. 

Sunday Rom. 15: 22-33. J 



94 



Outline Bible Studies : 



Progressive 
Grade. 



REVIEW AND PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS. 

I. What were some of the spiritual gifts bestowed on the apostolic 
church? 2. Which of these was chiefly coveted in the church at Corinth? 

3. What estimate did Paul place on love in comparison with gifts? 

4. Mention some of the characteristics of love. 5. Why was Paul so 
deeply interested in the collection for the poor saints in Jerusalem (Note 
52) ? 6. How general was this collection among the churches that he had 
planted? 7. What occasioned the second Epistle to the Corinthians? 
8. What Christian grace was especially commended in it? 9. What is 
the title of this lesson? its Golden Text? 

THE IiESSON OUTLINE, WITH WRITTEN-ANSWER QUESTIONS. 

Paul's Second Tour in Macedonia and Greece. Scattered References. 




Map No. 13. Showing a Part of St. Paul's Third Missionary Journey. 

Note 53. — As the lesson is studied, notice on Map No. 13 Paul's route from Ephesus 
to Corinth. The loop from Thessalonica is in accordance with the common suppo- 
sition that at this time he made a detour " unto Illyricum," but see Expl. Note on Rom. 
15 : 19, Lesson 30. 

i. What did Paul do after the uproar in Ephesus? (Acts 20 : 1.) 



2. Whom did he expect to meet at Troas, and why? (2 Cor. 2 : 12, 13 ; 
see Note 52.) 



3. What were his experiences when he reached Macedonia? (2 Cor. 
7=50 



Twei?/-Zven. The Three Great Apostles. g$ 

4. How were his anxieties relieved? (2 Cor. 7 : 6, 7 ; Note 52.) 



5. After leaving Macedonia where did he go? 
2 Cor. 10: 16; Rom. 15 : 19. 

Acts 20: 2. 

Note 54-. — The three months spent in the province of Greece (Acts 20:3^2) were 
doubtless given largely, if not entirely, to the church in Corinth. If, as some infer 
from 2 Cor. 12 : 14, Paul visited Corinth during his ministry at Ephesus, this was his 
third visit to that city. 

The Great Collection. 1 Cor. 16: 1-4; 2 Cor., chs. 8, 9. 

6. What direction had Paul already given the Corinthians respecting 
the great collection? (1 Cor. 16: 1, 2.) 



7. What had he promised concerning its conveyance to Jerusalem? 
(1 Cor. 16: 3, 4.) 



8. In his second Epistle what did he tell the Corinthians about the 
Macedonian churches? (2 Cor. 8: 1-5 ; see Expl. Notes.) 



9. What reasons did he give why the Corinthians should abound in the 
grace of liberality? 

8:7,8. 

8:9. 

8 : 10, n. 

10. What general principle governs the acceptability of gifts? (8 : 12.) 



11. What did Paul especially wish to avoid and what to accomplish in 
making this collection? (8 : 13-15.) 



g6 Outline Bible Studies : Pr ° G ^adf e 

12. Whom did Paul commission to receive the collection in Corinth? 
8: 16, 17. 

8: 18, 19; see Expl. Notes. 

8:22. 

13. How did he certify the trustworthiness of these men? (8 : 23.) 



14. Why did Paul abstain from any personal care of the funds col- 
lected? (8 : 20, 21.) 



Note 55. — Paul's Companions, mentioned in Acts 20:4, were probably the 
delegates charged with the transmission of the great collection from their respective 
provinces. If so, Gaius of Derbe and Timothy of Lystra represented the churches in 
Galatia ; Tychicus and Trophimus those of Asia ; Sopater, Aristarchus, and Secundus 
those of Macedonia ; Achaia may have been represented by one of the latter, or by 
Luke, with or without one of those above named. Paul while declining the personal 
care of the money had charge of the whole party (1 Cor. 16 : 3, 4). 

15. Why had Paul sent Titus and the other brethren to Corinth in 
advance of his own coming? (2 Cor. o: 1-5.) 



;6. What spiritual law should stimulate a spirit of liberality ? (9 : 6-1 1 .) 



17. How would the great contribution be likely to affect the Jewish 
Christians toward their Gentile brethren? (9: 12-14; see Note 52.) 



LESSON TEACHINGS, WITH QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 

18. What system did Paul recommend as a basis for Christian benev- 
olence (1 Cor. 16: 2a)? Why ought every Christian to practice some 
systematic form of meeting his obligations toward the church and the 
various objects of Christian benevolence? In this matter, why is it better 
to be systematic than spasmodic? 

19. On what ground did Paul base his plea for liberality toward the 
poor saints in Jerusalem (2 Cor. 8 : 7-9) ? What is required of us as 



Twenty-'eight. The Three Great Apostles. Q7 

God's stewards (i Cor. 4:2)? What is the condemnation of those who 
use God's bounty for their own ends only (Lu. 12 : 16-21) ? 

20. How may we be sure that liberality toward God is no losing in- 
vestment (2 Cor. 9 : 6-1 1 ) ? How does God repay sacrifices made for 
Him (Mt. 19 : 27-29) ? Are we to look for these returns in earthly goods 
alone ? 

TOPICS FOR SPECIAL INVESTIGATION AND THOUGHT. 

i. The trials suffered by Paul on his second tour through Greece. 2. 
The character of Titus. 3. Reasons for the unusual poverty of the 
church in Jerusalem. 4. The character of Paul as revealed in connection 
with the great collection. 5. The bearing of this collection on the loca- 
tion of the Galatian churches {comp. Remark 9 (3) (d), App. Lesson 18). 



Lesson 28. THE CHARACTER OF PAUL'S MINIS- 
TRY. His Message as God's Ambassador. 

2 Cor. 4: 16 — 6: 10. Written from Macedonia, about A.D. 57. 

Note 56. — The Epistle which Paul sent to Corinth from Macedonia, now called 
2 Corinthians, was probably the fourth written to the church in Corinth, the first (1 Cor. 
5:9) and the third (see Note 52), both sent from Ephesus, having been lost. The 
interval between 1 and 2 Corinthians, as we now have them, was only a few months. 

Aside from Paul's expressions of joy at the good news brought from Corinth by 
Titus, 2 Corinthians relates mainly to two subjects, — the great collection, and Paul's 
personal defense against the calumnies of his enemies. The first of these topics was 
treated in Lesson 27. The second occupies a large part of the Epistle, and is naturally 
divided into two parts, — Paul's description of his ministry (3 : 1 — 6 : 10) , and his defense 
of his apostleship (10:1—12:13). These subjects are so important and reveal so 
much concerning Paul's inner as well as outer life that a lesson is given to each. 

The present lesson is from the former of these two parts (3 : 1—6 : 10) and presents 
Paul's own estimate of the character and motives of his ministry. He says (1) that the 
glory of this ministry is greater than that of the Mosaic dispensation (ch. 3), (2) that 
its strength lies not in himself but in Christ and in the assurance of eternal life (4 : 1 — 5 : 
10) , (3) that his earnestness springs from his sense of responsibility to Christ (5 : n-17), 
and (4) that in the exercise of this ministry he is God's ambassador to men (5 : 18—6: 
10). This description of his ministry puts it far above the criticisms of his enemies, 
reveals his own high regard for the work in which he was engaged, and helps materi- 
ally toward forming a correct estimate of his character. 

GOLDEN TEXT: "We are ambassadors therefore on behalf of 
Christ, as though God were intreating by us : we beseech you on behalf 
)f Christ, be ye reconciled to God." (2 Cor. 5 : 20.) 

SCRIPTURE, to be read in school or class : 2 Cor. 5:1-10. 



g8 Outline Bible Studies : r SraJ" ve 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS. 

Monday 2 Cor. 3:1-11; "> Paul's Apostleship and the Superiority 

Tuesday 2 Cor. 3:12-18. / of the New Covenant to the Old. 



Wednesday . .2 Cor. 4: 1-6; 1 ,-, „ ,,. . , , ., „ ri7 . 

rn m „ m ,„ „/-*.,! I Paul s Ministry and the Hope of Eter- 

Thursday .... 2 Cor. 4:7-15; \ nal L if e 

Friday 2 Cor. 4 : 1 6—5 : 10. J nal ^ lte " 

Saturday 2 Cor. 5 : 1 1-1 7. Paul's Responsibility to Christ. 

Sunday 2 Cor. 5 : 18 — 6 : 10. Paul an Ambassador of God. 

REVIEW AND PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS. 

I . What great project did Paul have much at heart during his third mis- 
sionary journey ? 2. What does he appear to have done about it prior to 
leaving Ephesus? 3. What disappointment did he have at Troas? 4. 
What were his experiences in Macedonia? 5. How was he greatly com- 
forted? 6. What occasioned the writing of 2 Corinthians? 7. Into 
what two parts is this Epistle divided, and what are the characteristics of 
each (Note 56) ? 8. What is the title of this lesson? its Golden Text? 

THE LESSON OUTLINE, WITH WRITTEN-ANSWER QUESTIONS. 

Paul's Ministry and the Hope of Eternal Life. 2 Cor. 4: 16—5: 10. 

Note 57. — In 4: 1-15 Paul speaks of himself and his associates as those to whom 
God had entrusted the light of the Gospel (vss. 5, 6). This divine light was the 
treasure, and the preachers were the earthen vessels, which had been preserved amidst 
all dangers by the power of Christ and strengthened by the hope of participating in His 
resurrection (vss. 7-15). This leads Paul to speak of his own ministry as affected by 
the hope of eternal life (4: 16 — 5 : 10). 

i. How did thoughts of the unseen world strengthen Paul in all his 
trials? (2 Cor. 4: 16-18.) 



2. Of what was he certain in case his physical body should be worn out 
in his ministry? (2 Cor. 5:1.) 



3. What did he greatly desire? (5:2-4.) 

4. Why was he sure of receiving it? (5:5.) 



5. How was his ministry affected by the hope of the resurrection? 
(5:6-8.) 



tJSZEZ&l The Three G*** Apostles. gg 

6. What was his constant aim, and why? 
5:9. 



5: 10. 

Paul's Sense of Responsibility to Christ. 2 Cor. 5: 11-17. 
7. To what was the earnestness of Paul's ministry due? (2 Cor. 5 : 11.) 



8. On whose behalf did he show this earnestness? (vss. 12, 13.) 



9. What was the constraining power of his ministry? (vs. 14.) 



10. What obligation follows from Christ's love in dying for men? 
(vs. 15.) 



11. What results follow from a participation in the life of Christ? 
(vs. 17.) 



Paul an Ambassador of God. 2 Cor. 5: 18 — 6: 10. 
12. What was the ministry which was committed to Paul? (2 Cor. 
5:18, 19.) 



13. In view of this ministry, how did Paul regard his apostolic office? 
(2 Cor. 5 : 20# .) 



14. What was his great message to men? (5 : 20b, 21.) 

15. What further entreaty did he make? (2 Cor. 6 : 1-3.) 

16. How had he shown himself to be a faithful ambassador? (6 : 4-10.) 



ioo Outline Bible Studies : Pro G g radt e 

LESSON TEACHINGS, WITH QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 

17. What consideration should make Christians bear trials and afflictions 
patiently (2 Cor. 4: 17)? When in trouble, whence should we draw our 
comfort (vs. 18) ? Why may we rest with assurance on the unseen rather 
than on the seen? 

18. What joyful assurance has every Christian as he feels his bodily 
powers fail through age or disease (2 Cor. 5:1)? What relation does the 
present body sustain to the soul? What prospect is disclosed for the soul 
when the mortal body perishes (vss. 2-4) ? 

19. How did Paul regard the believer's present relation to the heavenly 
world (2 Cor. 5:6)? What is his condition when he reaches that world 
(vs. 8) ? What is it " to be at home with the Lord "? What constitutes 
"home"? 

20. In what sense can every believer become an ambassador of God ? 
What testimony can he give to the world? Though not now called to 
bear persecution, how can we show ourselves faithful witnesses for God? 

TOPICS FOR SPECIAL INVESTIGATION AND THOUGHT. 

I. An analysis of 2 Corinthians. 2. The resurrection body (2 Cor. 
5 : 1-4). 3. The meaning of the soul being " found naked " (2 Cor. 5:3). 
4. Heaven as a home. 5. The meaning of the second clause in 2 Cor. 
5 : 14. 6. The bearing of 2 Cor. 5 : 19 on the divinity of Christ. 7. The 
bearing of 2 Cor. 5 : 21 on the doctrine of a vicarious atonement. 



Lesson 29. PAUL GLORYING IN THE LORD. His 
Labors and Sufferings for Christ. 

2 Cor. 11 : 21 — 12: 13. 

Note 58. — We have already seen (Note 56) that a large part of 2 Corinthians 
was written in answer to the bitter attacks made on Paul by his enemies at Corinth. 
This attack apparently included criticism of his ministry and denial of his apostleship. 
That portion of his defense which relates to the character and motives of his ministry 
was noticed in Lesson 28. The argument for his apostleship now claims attention. 

In presenting this part of the subject (2 Cor. 10 : 1— 12 : 13) Paul (1) emphasizes the 
facts that his apostolic authority is spiritual and is derived from the Lord (10:1-11), 
and that it is exercised within the territorial limits appointed by God, which include 
the Corinthians (10:12-18). He then (2) justifies himself for glorying, or boasting, 
regarding his work, because of the danger that otherwise the Corinthians shall be cor- 
rupted and led astray by those who preach another Jesus (n : 1-4), and because he 
is forced to it by the boastings of the false apostles in Corinth who had only selfish 
ends in view (11 : 5-20). After this long introduction he finally (3) speaks of the labors 
and sufferings and of the special revelations which were the most glorious proofs of 
his apostleship (11:21 — 12:13). 

Our lesson takes up section 3 only. The brief summary here made of Paul's trials 
and labors shows that the narrative in Acts gives but a meager idea of the sufferings 



T^entyZine. Th( ' Three Great Apostles. 101 

that he had endured and the difficulties that he had met and overcome for the Gospel. 
His vision of Paradise and his " thorn in the flesh " proved that there was a relation 
between himself and God so close as to be accounted for only by granting that he was 
a fully accredited witness of divine things. This enforced glorying of Paul therefore 
adds much to our knowledge of his personal history. 

GOLDEN TEXT : " Far be it from me to glory, save in the cross 
of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Gal. 6:14^.) 

SCRIPTURE, to be read in school or class : 2 Cor. 11 : 21-28. 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS. 
Monday 2 Cor., ch. 10. Paul's Defense against False Charges. 

T X V ESI)AY 2 £ or< 1 l : I_9; \ Paul's Apology for Commending himself. 

Wednesday... 2 Cor. n : 10-20. J ' bJ & 

Thursday ... .2 Cor. 11 : 21-33; \ Paul's Labors, Sufferings and Revelations, 

Friday 2 Cor. 12 : 1— 13. j as Proofs of his Apostleship. 

*' vn KUAY 2 £ on I2: l *- 2l > \ Paul's Purpose to Visit Corinth again. 

Sunday 2 Cor., ch. 13. f * 6 

REVIEW AND PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS. 

I. To what great enterprise did Paul give much attention during his 
third missionary journey? 2. What two ends did he probably hope to 
accomplish by this? 3. What occasioned the writing of 2 Corinthians? 
4. Into what two general parts is this Epistle divided, and why was each 
written? 5. What great hope sustained Paul in his many trials and afflic- 
tions? 6. What was his constant aim? 7. What was the constraining 
power of his ministry? 8. What high office did he consider himself as 
holding? 9. What was his great message to men? 10. What is the title 
of this lesson? its Golden Text? 

THE LESSON OUTLINE, WITH WRITTEN-ANSWER QUESTIONS. 

Paul Glorying in his Labors and Sufferings. 2 Cor. 11:21-33. 
1. In comparing himself with the false teachers, wherein was Paul equal 
to the best of them? (2 Cor. 11 : 21, 22.) 



2. Wherein did he excel them? (vs. 23.) 

3. What had he experienced at the hands of the Jews? (vs. 24.) 

4. What had he suffered from the Gentiles? (vs. 2$a.) 



102 Outline Bible Studies : Pr 3%2t t 

5. What disasters had befallen him in his travels? (vs. 25^.) 

6. To what perils had he been exposed? (vs. 26.) 

7. What privations had he endured? (vs. 27.) 

8. In what other ways had his burdens been increased? (vss. 28, 29.) 



9. What ignominious experience in his early ministry did he recall? 
(vss. 32, 33.) 



Paul Glorying in his Revelations. 2 Cor. 12: 1-13. 
10. Since Paul was compelled to glory, or boast, what extraordinary 
reason for such glorying did he mention? (2 Cor. 12 : 1-5.) 



11. Why did he not give a detailed account of these revelations? 
(vs. 6.) 



12. What antidote to spiritual pride had the Lord given him? (vss 
7,8.) 



13. How had he been strengthened to bear this trial? (vs. 9.) 



14. How had all these experiences affected him? (vs. 10.) 



TweTuy-ninc. The Three Great Apostles. ioj 

15. Why had the disagreeable necessity of commending himself been 
forced upon Paul ? (vs. 11a.) 



16. In whom alone did Paul wish to glory? (Gal. 6:140, Golden 
Text.) 

17. How did he estimate himself in comparison with the most boastful 
of the false apostles? (2 Cor. 12: lid.) 



18. What proofs of his apostleship had been displayed among the 
Corinthians? (vs. 12.) 



19. How did he ironically refer to the fact that he had not exacted per- 
sonal support from them? (vs. 13.) 



LESSON TEACHINGS, WITH QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 

20. How many of the experiences mentioned in 2 Cor. 11 : 24-27 are 
recorded elsewhere? make a list of them, and another of those that are 
unrecorded. What may we infer from these facts as to the completeness 
of the Scripture narrative? What, as to the character of Paul and the 
nature of his work? 

21. Since God had entrusted Paul with so great a mission, how do you 
account for the fact that he did not spare him these bodily sufferings? 
What great lesson was taught Paul in the midst of his troubles (2 Cor. 
12 : 9, 10) ? How may we regard our own disappointments and sufferings? 

22. What special privilege was given to Paul to help him in his work 
and to encourage him in his trials (2 Cor. 12 : 1-4) ? What may we infer 
from this as to the heavenly world ? How should we be affected by the 
certainty and character of the life to come ? 

TOPICS FOR SPECIAL INVESTIGATION AND THOUGHT. 

i. Paul's sufferings as related in his Epistles and in the Acts. 2. Paul's 
rule not to glorify himself except thereby to glorify. Christ. 3. Paul's 
revelations from heaven. 4. How far one is justified in replying to criti- 
cism borne for Christ's sake. 5. Paul's " thorn in the flesh." 



104 Outline Bible Studies : Pr %radt' 

Lesson 30. PAUL AND THE CHURCH IN ROME. 
His Desire to Establish them in the Gospel. 

Rom. I : i— 15 ; 15 : 14-33. Written from Corinth, about a.d. 58. 

Note 59. — In Paul's missionary operations up to this time he had not only sought 
the centers of population and influence, but had moved steadily toward the West. 
He had naturally long desired to visit Rome, the capital of the world, although the 
first mention of a purpose to do so is found in connection with his ministry in Ephesus. 

In the meantime a church had already grown up in the imperial city. By whom this 
church was established we do not know, but it was very probably through the migration 
of believers from other places. The tradition which attributes this work to Peter has 
no historical foundation. The church contained a Jewish element, but was regarded 
by Paul as in the main a Gentile church, and as properly within the limits of his own 
field (Rom. 15 : 15, 16). During his three months' labor in Corinth, toward the close 
of his third missionary journey, his desire to visit this church was very great (Rom. 
1 : 10) , but he was prevented from doing so by the duty of going to Jerusalem with the 
great collection. 

He hoped to return soon. But not knowing what would befall him, he availed him- 
self of a brief respite at Corinth to do at once what he could to strengthen the Chris- 
tians in Rome. This he did by means of a letter embodying a course of instruction, 
not in those truths which Christians held in common, but specifically in those which 
pertained to salvation by faith, and which Paul terms " my gospel." This instruction, 
which had been given orally to other churches, but which the church in Rome had not 
yet received, was the " spiritual gift " that he desired to impart. The truths thus taught 
were especially adapted to guard his readers against the ideas which had done so much 
mischief in Galatia and Corinth. And while there is in this Epistle no mention of the 
Judaizers, nor any polemic spirit.it is not unlikely that Paul's purpose in writing as he 
did at this time was partly to forestall any efforts that might be made to substitute 
among the Romans the way of salvation through obedience to the law for that of salva- 
tion by faith. The present lesson includes only those portions of the Epistle which 
indicate Paul's personal relations to the church in Rome. 

GOLDEN TEXT : " I am debtor both to Greeks and to Barbarians, 
both to the wise and to the foolish." (Rom. 1 : 14.) 

SCRIPTURE, to be read in school or class : Rom. 1 : 8-15. 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS. 

MONDAY Rom. 1 : 1-15. Paul's Desire to Visit Rome. 

Tuesday Rom. 15 : 14-21. Paul's Motive in Writing. 

Wednesday Rom. 15 : 22-33. Paul's Plan for a Visit Later, 

Thursday Rom., ch. 12; 

Friday \ Rom., ch. 13. 

Saturday Rom. 16: 1-16; 



Sunday Rom. 16 : 1 7-27. 



> Practical Exhortations. 

> Salutations, Warnings and Conclusion. 



"' * Thirty. Fte Three Great Apostles. ioj 

REVIEW AND PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS. 

I. Mention some of the sufferings that Paul had endured in his ministry. 
2. Enumerate some of the perils to which he had been exposed. 3. Why 
did Paul recount all these trials in 2 Corinthians? 4. What supernatural 
experience did he recall? 5. What great lesson had he learned in con- 
nection with subsequent trials? 6. How did he regard himself in com- 
parison with the most boastful of the false apostles? 7. How was the 
church in Rome related to Paul's sphere of work (Note 59) ? 8. What 
occasioned his Epistle to that church? 9. What is the title of this 
lesson? its Golden Text? 

THE LESSON OUTLINE, WITH WRITTEN-ANSWER QUESTIONS. 

Paul and the Church in Rome. Rom. 1 : 1— 1 5. 
1. In opening this Epistle how did Paul describe himself? (Rom. 
i: I.) 



2. How did he describe Christ? (vss. 2-4.) 



3. What did he say that he had received from Christ by which he was 
connected with Christians everywhere? (vs. 5.) 



4. How did he describe his readers? (vss. 6, 7.) 



5. Why did he give thanks to God on account of the church in Rome? 
(vs. 8.) 



6. What had been his constant prayer in connection with them? (vss, 
9, 10.) 



7. Why did he long to visit them? (vss. II, 12.) 



8. How did he intimate that this was no new resolve on his part? (vs. 
13O 



io6 Outline Bible Studies : Pr £Z7/ ve 



Grade. 



9. What did he regard as the scope of his apostolic mission? (vss. 
14, I5-) 



Paul's Motive in Writing to the Romans. Rom. 15: 14-21. 
10. For what did Paul especially commend the Christians in Rome? 
(Rom. 15 : 14.) 



11. On what ground, however, did he justify his boldness in writing to 
them? (vss. 15, 16.) 



12. Up to this time how far had his missionary work extended? (vs. 
19.) 



13. What was his rule in entering on new fields of labor? (vss. 
20, 21.) 



Paul's Plans for the Future. Rom. 15 : 22-33. 
14. Having completed his work in the East, what were Paul's plans for 
the future? (Rom. 15 : 22-240. ) 



5. Why did he wish to visit Rome? (vs. 24^.) 



16. Why did he not proceed thither at once from Corinth? (vss. 
25-27.) 



17. How soon did he expect to start for the West? (vs. 28.) 



18. In the meantime, what did he ask the brethren in Rome to do for 
him? (vss. 30-32.) 



TJUrty"ne. The Three Great Apostles. 107 

LESSON TEACHINGS, WITH QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 

19. What did Paul mean by calling the Christians in Rome " saints "? 
In what sense are all Christians "saints"? How are "saints" different 
in character from those who are not saints? Why is this difference not 
always apparent? 

20. What did Paul expect to accomplish by visiting Rome (Rom. 1 : n, 
12)? How could he help them? How could they help him? How may 
Christians always help one another? 

21. To whom did Paul say that he was a debtor (Rom. 1 : 14, 15)? 
What did he mean by this? Why did he feel this sense of obligation? 
In what respects are all who have received the Gospel debtors to those 
who have it not? What may we do to discharge this debt? 

22. What did Paul feel convinced that he could bring to the Christians 
in Rome (Rom. 15 : 29) ? Why did he feel sure that he was able to do 
this? What is first necessary if we would bring the same blessing to 
men? What is the greatest work that we can do for others? 

TOPICS FOR SPECIAL INVESTIGATION AND THOUGHT. 

I. The origin of the church in Rome. 2. Its composition. 3. Tradi- 
tional relation of Peter to this church. 4. Why the Epistle to the Romans 
was written in the Greek language. 5. Whether the Apostle's purpose in 
writing this Epistle was mainly doctrinal or mainly polemic. 



Lesson 31. PAUL'S DOCTRINE OF GRACE. The 

Way of Salvation through Faith. 

Rom. 1:16,17; 3:21-26; 5:1-8. 

Note 60. — As stated in Not3 59, Paul's principal object in writing the Epistle to the 
Romans was to instruct them regarding the way of salvation through faith. This 
doctrine lies at the heart of the Gospel, and is nowhere else treated so fully as in 
the first eight chapters of this Epistle. 

The three main divisions of this part of the Epistle are as follows : After stating his 
theme, — the power of the Gospel unto salvation (1: 16, 17), — Paul showed (1) that 
neither Gentiles nor Jews had ever succeeded in attaining saving righteousness through 
efforts of their own, but that all alike were under condemnation on account of sin 
(1 : 18 — 3 : 20) ; (2) that God had graciously provided a way of salvation from sin, suffi- 
cient for all, through faith in the crucified Christ (3 : 21 — 4 : 25) ; and (3) that the 
results of this way of salvation are peace with God, union with Christ, freedom from 
the power and penalty of sin, divine sonship, and eternal life (5 : 1—8 : 39). 

To enter fully into this great argument would be wholly apart from the object of these 
lessons. It is however necessary to a correct understanding of the principal charac- 
teristics of Paul's ministry that we should notice briefly his description of God's way of 
salvation for sinful man. This therefore is the subject of the present lesson. 



108 Outline Bible Studies : Pr ° G g rad/™ 

GOLDEN TEXT : "lam not ashamed of the gospel : for it is the 
power of God unto salvation to every one thatbelieveth." (Rom i : 16a.) 

SCRIPTURE, to be read in school or class : Rom. 3 : 19-26. 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS. 

Monday Rom. 1 : 16-32; 1 Righteousness, how Attained; and the 

Tuesday Rom. 2:17-29; \ Universal Failure of Men to At- 



! 



Wednesday I Rom ' 3 : I-2a > tain iL 

\ Rom. 3 : 21-31. Righteousness through Faith Described. 

Thursday Rom., ch. 4. Its Harmony with the Old Testament. 

Friday Rom., ch. 5. Its Blessed Consequences. 

Saturday Rom. 8: 1-2 5; 1 r™ ^ f , T . f f ,, ^ v 

Sunday Rom. 8 : 26-39. } The Transformed Llfe of the Behever - 

REVIEW AND PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS. 

I. Why did Paul wish to visit the church in Rome? 2. Why did he 
not go there from Corinth when on his third missionary journey? 3. 
What was his purpose in writing to the Romans? 4. What were his plans 
after he had been to Jerusalem? 5. Why did he purpose making only a 
passing visit in Rome? 6. State the three main divisions of the first eight 
chapters of the Epistle to the Romans (Note 60). 7. What is the title of 
this Lesson? its Golden Text? 

THE EESSON OUTLINE, WITH WRITTEN- ANSWER QUESTIONS. 

(For the general course of thought of which this lesson forms a part, see Note 60.) 

The Theme Stated. Rom. 1 : 16, 17. 
(Special attention is called to the Explanatory Notes on this lesson, in the Appendix.) 

1. Why was Paul not ashamed of the Gospel? (Rom. i : 16, Golden 
Text.) 

2. What is revealed in it? (vs. 17.) 



3. What is meant by a " righteousness of God"? Why cannot right- 
eousness be attained under the law? 



Salvation by Faith. Rom. 3:21-26. 
4. In view of the universal failure of man to attain a saving righteous- 
ness (1 : 18 — 3:20; Note 60), what divine provision has been made? 
(Rom. 3: 21.) 



5. For whom is this righteousness available? (vs. 22.) 



ThStyZne. The Thrt ' c Great Apostles. log 

6. Why is it needed by all? (vs. 23.) 

7. Through what does this justification come? (vs. 24.) 

8. On what is it based? (vs. 25.) 



9. How was Christ a "propitiation "? How did His death show God's 
righteousness? 



10. What does this propitiation, or justification, enable God to be and 
to do? (vs. 26.) 



1 1 . What is it to have " faith in Jesus 



Results of Faith. Rom. 5 : 1-8. 
12. What three blessed results follow from salvation by faith? 

vss. 1, 2a. 



vs. 2b. 

vss. 3, 4. 

1 3. Why do these great blessings come to us? (vs. 5.) 

14. What guaranty have we that this hope will never fail? (vs. 6.) 

15. How, then, is the greatness of God's love shown to us? (vss. 7, 8.) 



no Outline Bible Studies : Pr c g ra7e! ve 

LESSON TEACHINGS, WITH QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 

16. How does God justify us (Rom. 3 : 24) ? What has Christ to do 
with our salvation (vs. 25) ? What have we to do with it (vss. 22, 25, 
26) ? How must our belief in Christ be manifested? 

17. What is meant by the word "grace"? Why must salvation be of 
grace, if men are saved at all? To whom, then, is all the glory of our sal- 
vation due ? 

18. How is God described by the Apostle John (1 Jo. 4:8)? How is 
this characteristic shown in the highest degree (Rom. 5:8; Jo. 3: 16)? 
What ought we to do in return for this love ? 

19. State briefly what you understand to be the way of salvation through 
faith in Christ. 

TOPICS FOR SPECIAL INVESTIGATION AND THOUGHT. 

I. The meaning and use of the words " righteousness," "justification," 
"propitiation," "faith." 2. The faith of Abraham. 3. The universal 
sinfulness of man. 4. The inability of men to save themselves. 5. The 
relation of the law to sin. 6. The doctrine of justification by faith and 
the Protestant reformation. 



Lesson 32. PAUL'S FINAL RETURN TO JERUSA- 
LEM. The Third Missionary Journey Ended. 

Acts 20 : 33 — 21 : 16. About A.D. 58. 

Note 61. — As already seen (Lesson 30) Paul was prevented from going from 
Corinth to Rome by the necessity of accompanying the delegates of the churches to 
Jerusalem with the great collection. Just before setting sail another Jewish plot against 
his life was discovered, designed perhaps to be consummated when the vessel was well 
out to sea. Instead of sailing direct for Syria he therefore sent the rest of the party to 
Troas, while he himself went to Philippi. After celebrating the Passover with that 
church, he and Luke, who joined him here, sailed for Troas, where a delay of some 
days occurred. 

From Troas Paul went by land to Assos where he rejoined his friends who had 
sailed thither. As the ship did not touch at Ephesus word was sent to the elders of 
that church to meet the party at Miletus. In an address of exquisite tenderness and 
overpowering pathos Paul took leave of them, as a father parting from his children. 
Resuming the journey, and changing ships at Patara, they reached Caesarea, whence a 
short land journey brought them to Jerusalem. Constrained by the Spirit, he persisted 
in his purpose to reach once m«re this stronghold of Jewish hatred, notwithstanding 
repeated warnings of the fate that there awaited him. 

GOLDEN TEXT : " Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he 
himself said, It is more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20 :35^.) 

SCRIPTURE, to be read in school or class : Acts 21 :7-i4. 



Lesson 
Thirty-two. 



The Three Great Apostles. 



in 



DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS. 



Monday Acts 20 : 3^-1 7. 

Tuesday Acts 20 : 1 8-27 ; 

Wednesday Acts 20 : 28-38. 

Thursday Acts 21 : 1-16. 

Friday Eph., ch. 1 ; 1 

Saturday Eph., ch. 2. / 

Sunday Eph., ch. 3. 



The Journey from Corinth to Miletus. 
Paul's Farewell Address to the Ephesian 

Elders. 
The Journey from Miletus to Jerusalem. 
The Glory and Blessedness of Salvation 

through Christ. 
Paul's Work as an Apostle. 



REVIEW AND PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS. 

I. Why did not Paul go to Rome from Corinth when on his third mis- 
sionary journey? 2. Why did he write to the Roman church? 3. What 
is the theme of the first eight chapters of this Epistle? 4. Name the 
three main divisions of the subject as there presented. 5. How was 
Christ a "propitiation 11 for sin? 6. What is it to have faith in Christ? 
7. What are the results of this faith? 8. What is the title of this lesson? 
its Golden Text? 

THE LESSON OUTLINE, WITH WRITTEN-ANSWER QUESTIONS. 

From Corinth to Miletus. Acts 20:3^-17. 




Map No. 14. For Tracing St. Paul's Third Missionary Journey. 

Note 02.— In .studying this lesson trace on Map No. 14 Paul's journey from 
Corinth to Jerusalem. 



112 Outline Bible Studies : P ^ZT ve 



Grade. 



I. Why and how were Paul's plans for his journey to Jerusalem suddenly 
changed as he was about leaving Corinth? (Acts 20 : 3^-5.) 



Note 63. — On Paul's companions, enumerated in vs. 4, see Note 55, Lesson 27. 
2. Who joined him at Philippi? (vs. 6; see Expl. Note.) 



3. State briefly what took place in Troas. (vss. 7-12.) 



4. What occurred between Troas and Miletus? (vss. 13-15. On 
places, see B. D.) 



5. Whom did he send for, to meet him at Miletus, and why? (vss. 
.6, 17.) 



Paul's Address to the Ephesian Elders. Acts 20: 18-38. 
6. In Paul's farewell address to the Ephesian elders, what did he say as 
to the spirit of his ministry among them? (Acts 20 : 18, 19.) 



7. What, as to his diligence? (vs. 20.) 



8. What was the constant theme of his preaching? (vs. 21.) 



9. What particulars did he mention touching his present situation? 
vs. 22. 

vs. 23. 

vs. 24. 



ThYrt S y'Lo. The Three Great Apostles. 113 



vs. 25. 



vss. 26, 27. 

10. On what grounds were the elders exhorted to faithfulness? (vs. 28.) 

n. What perils awaited them? 
vs. 29. 

vs. 30. 

12. How did he inculcate earnestness and unselfishness? 
vs. 31. 

vss. 33-35. 

13. At the conclusion of the address how did his hearers show their 
feelings for him? (vss. 36-38.) 

From Miletus to Jerusalem. Acts 21 : 1-16. 

14. Describe the route from Miletus to Tyre. (Acts 21 : 1-3.) 

15. What occurred during the delay in Tyre? (vss. 4-6.) 

16. State briefly what took place in Caesarea. (vss. 8-14.) 

17. Who accompanied Paul and his party to Jerusalem? (vss. 15, 16.) 

LESSON TEACHINGS, WITH QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 

18. How did Paul summarize the Gospel that he had preached in 
Ephesus (Acts 20: 21)? How are repentance and faith related to each 
other? Why are both necessary to conversion? 



H4 Outline Bible Studies : ^™«2T* 

iq. What did Paul anticipate as to the result of his visit to Jerusalem 
(Acts 20 : 23) ? What specific communication did he receive regarding it 
on the way (Acts 21 : 4, 11)? What was it that impelled him forward in 
spite of these warnings? What spirit did he show in this (Acts 21 : 13) ? 

20. With what otherwise unrecorded saying of Christ did Paul close 
his address to the Ephesian elders (Acts 20 : 35) ? To what kind of giving 
does this apply? How does this precept tally with human nature? 

21. In all the perplexities that beset Paul on the way to Jerusalem what 
comfort came to him (Acts 20:37. 38; 21 : 5, 14)? Why is the expres- 
sion of good-will and sympathy a Christian duty ? 

TOPICS FOR SPECIAL INVESTIGATION AND THOUGHT. 

I. The character of Paul as exhibited in his address to the Ephesian 
elders. 2. The leading characteristics of his work as a Christian minister. 
3. The difference between obstinacy in following one's own opinion, and 
inflexibility in following divine guidance. 4. The place and work of 
woman in the early church. 



Thfrt S y.°three. The Three Great Apostles. 115 

PART IV. 

THE CLOSING YEARS OF PAUL'S MINISTRY. 

Time. —From the Close of the Third Missionary Journey to the Death of Paul. Part IV of 
The History of the Apostolic Church, a.d. 58-68 (see Note 3, Abstract of Lessons, in Intro- 
duction). 

Note 64. — Characteristics of Part IV. Two distinct portions of the 
Apostle's life are covered in this Part. (1) The Period from his Arrest in Jerusalem 
to the Close of his First Roman Imprisonment. — Here our chief source of information 
is still the book of Acts, although some further particulars may be gathered from the 
Epistles to Philemon and to the Philippians, which were written from Rome. From 
the Epistles to the Ephesians and to the Colossians, written either from Caesarea or 
Rome, we learn, furthermore, that while the great struggle with the Judaizers was 
practically ended, Paul's earnest attention was now engaged in defending the churches 
from a new danger which had arisen from the contact of Christianity with a false 
philosophy. 

(2) The Period of Paul's Renewed Liberty, his Pastoral Epistles, Second Imprison- 
ment, and Martyrdom. — Our information here is drawn exclusively from the Pastoral 
Epistles, of which that to Titus and the first to Timothy were written while Paul was 
at liberty, and the second to Timothy during the second imprisonment, and in view 
of a speedy martyrdom. 

Lesson 33. PAUL'S RECEPTION IN JERUSALEM. 

The Welcome of the Christians, and the 

Attack of the Jews. 

Acts 21 : 17 — 22 : 22. About A.D. 58. 

Note 65. — The prophecies of "bonds and afflictions " which had followed Paul 
during his return from his third missionary journey were realized soon after his cordial 
welcome by the brethren at Jerusalem. At the advice of the elders he attempted to 
conciliate the Christian Jews by an open and conspicuous manifestation of his personal 
loyalty to the Mosaic law. But before he could complete the vow that he had taken, 
he was recognized in the temple by some of his bitter enemies among the unbelieving 
Jews from Asia Minor. They seized him, dragged him out of the temple, and 
denounced him as a profaner of that holy place. A mob quickly gathered, who would 
have killed him had he not been arrested and thereby rescued by Roman soldiers who 
rushed out of the Castle Antonia to quell the disturbance. 

From the steps of the castle Paul made a brave and skillful address to the infuriated 
mob. He spoke of his early hatred for the Christians, and related his experiences at 
his conversion to show that the change in his career was due to divine interposition. 
Then he explained how his mission to the Gentiles was the result of a direct revelation 
from the God whom they all worshiped. The declaration that the Gentiles were 
included in the divine promises given to the Jews aroused anew the smouldering pas- 
sions of the mob, who immediately broke out into loud outcries and fierce imprecations 
and so put an abrupt end to his defense. 

GOLDEN TEXT : " We are pressed on every side, yet not straitened; 
perplexed, yet not unto despair." (2 Cor. 4 : 8.) 

SCRIPTURE, to be read in school or class : Acts 21 : 17-26. 



n6 Outline Bible Studies : Pr 3%dj° e 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS. 

Monday Acts 21 : 17-26. Paul's Attempt at Conciliation. 

Tuesday Acts 21 : 27-36. Paul Mobbed and Arrested. 

Wednesday. . . .Acts 21 : 37 — 22 : 5; "I Paul's Defense before the Mob, and its 

Thursday Acts 22 : 6-22. j Effect. 

. Friday Psalm 42. Courage and Hope in Adversity. 

Saturday Psalm 46. Promises of Support in Affliction. 

Sunday Psalm 77. Value of Prayer in Trouble. 

REVIEW AND PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS. 

I. Why did Paul write the Epistle to the Romans? 2. What is the 
theme of the first eight chapters of this Epistle? 3. State briefly Paul's 
doctrine of justification, or salvation, by faith. 4. Why did Paul not sail 
direct from Corinth to Syria on his return from his third missionary 
journey? 5. What took place during his stay at Troas? 6. What, at 
Miletus? 7. What, at Caesarea? 8. Why did Paul persist in going to 
Jerusalem, notwithstanding the repeated prophecies of evil awaiting him 
there? g. What is the title of this lesson? its Golden Text? 

THE LESSON OUTLINE, WITH WRITTEN-ANSWER QUESTIONS. 

Paul's Attempt at Conciliation. Acts 21 : 17-26. 
1. How did the brethren in Jerusalem receive Paul? (Acts 21 : 17.) 



2. Of what did he give an account before James and the elders? (vss. 
18, 19.) 



3, Of what report against him did they inform him? (vss. 20-22.) 



4. What did they advise him to do to prove the falseness of this report? 
(vss. 23, 24.) 



5. How did he comply? (vs. 26.) 



Paul Mobbed and Arrested. Acts 21 : 27-36. 
6. Describe the attack made on Paul in the temple. (Acts 21 : 27-29.) 



ThMyThree. The Three Great Apostles. **7 

7. What was the immediate result? (vs. 30.) 

8. How was the mob kept from killing Paul? (vss. 31, 32.) 



9. Why could not the chief captain of the Roman guard find out who 
Paul was? (vss. 33, 34.) 



10. How did the crowd continue to show its rage against him? (vss. 
35. 36.) 



Paul's Defense before the Mob. Acts 21 : 37 — 22: 22. 
11. What did the chief captain ask Paul? (Acts 21 : 37, 38.) 



12. How did Paul answer him? (vs. 39.) 



13. How did Paul then quiet the mob? (Acts 21 : 40 — 22 : 2.) 



14. How did he introduce himself? (Acts 22 : 3.) 



15. What did he say about his former attitude toward Christianity? 
(vss. 4, 5.) 



16. State briefly the reasons why he had changed his mind regarding it. 
(vss. 6-16.) 

17. What direct command had he received from God? (vss. 17-21.) 



18. How did the word " Gentile " affect the mob? (vs. 22.) 



u8 Outline Bible Studies : P T%£!T 

LESSON TEACHINGS, WITH QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 

19. How did Paul's ceremonial observances in Jerusalem harmonize with 
his teachings regarding salvation by faith only? How could he defend his 
action (1 Cor. 9 : 19-21) ? Did he compromise any principle in so doing? 
What did he teach regarding matters of conscience (Rom. 14:5-7, 13, 
21; 15:1)? 

20. To what facts in his own experience did Paul appeal in his defense 
before the mob? What is the strongest testimony to the truth of Chris- 
tianity? By whom should this testimony be given? 

21. Was Paul to blame for his attitude toward Christianity before his 
conversion {comp. 1 Tim. 1: 12-16)? Why is sincerity no excuse for 
error ? 

TOPICS FOR SPECIAL INVESTIGATION AND THOUGHT. 

i. The nature of Jewish vows. 2. The truth of the charges against 
Paul preferred by the Christian Jews. 3. The temple and the Jewish feel- 
ing regarding it. 4. Position of the Castle Antonia in relation to the 
temple. 5. Comparison of Paul's account of his conversion with that of 
Luke in Acts 9 : 1-190. 6. How Paul adapted the story of his conversion 
and divine commission to his audience and to his purpose. 



Lesson 34. PAUL PROTECTED BY HIS ROMAN 

CITIZENSHIP. His Hearing before the Sanhedrin, 

and Transfer to Caesarea. 

Acts 22 : 23 — 23 : 35. About a.d. 58. 

Note 66. — In this part of the book of Acts, where Paul's fate is rapidly approach- 
ing a crisis, it is interesting to note how vividly Luke contrasts the treatment accorded 
to Paul by his own countrymen with that accorded him by the Romans. Among the 
former, the declaration " I am a Jew " availed nothing in allaying deadly prejudices. 
The open violence of the people, the heated passions of the Sanhedrin and the dark 
plots of assassins combined to put him to death if possible. Among the latter, the 
quiet statement " I am a Roman " instantly arrested the uplifted scourges, changed the 
haughty and cruel bearing of the military tribune into apologetic courtesy, and sur- 
rounded the imperiled Roman citizen with the power of imperial Rome. It rescued 
him from the frantic fury of the Jews, and made it possible for him subsequently, 
though not in the way that he had anticipated, to preach the Gospel in the capital of 
the empire. 

To insure Paul's safety from the peril which beset him in Jerusalem, the tribune 
transferred him to Caesarea. This was done secretly, lest his removal might precipi- 
tate another riot, and yet with a military escort sufficiently imposing to overawe resist- 
ance in case the plan should be discovered. Here, at the political capital of the prov- 
ince, Paul was placed under the direct jurisdiction of Felix, the Roman procurator. 



Th L ir S ty°/our. The Three Great Apostles. ng 

GOLDEN TEXT: "Paul, looking stedfastly on the council, said, 
Brethren, I have lived before God in all good conscience until this day." 
(Acts 23 : 1.) 

SCRIPTURE, to be read in school or class: Acts 23: 12-24. 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS. 

Monday Acts 22 : 23-29. The Appeal to Paul's Roman Citizenship. 

Tuesday Acts 22 : 30 — 23 : 11. Paul before the Sanhedrin. 

Wednesday Acts 21 : 12-22; ) t> i> r> 1 *. <- 

~. * 1. - r Paul's Removal to Gesarea. 

Thursday Acts 23 : 23-35. i 

Friday Heb. 1 1 : 32-40. Faith under Persecution. 

Saturday Psalm 57. A Prayer for the Persecuted. 

Sunday Psalm 89 : 1-18. God's Faithfulness to His People. 

REVIEW AND PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS. 

I. Name in order the cities visited by Paul on his third missionary jour- 
ney. 2. How was he received by the brethren in Jerusalem? 3. How 
did many of the Christian Jews feel toward him? 4. How did he try to 
conciliate them? 5. What occasioned the tumult against him in the 
temple? 6. How was his life saved? 7. What was the substance of his 
address to the mob? 8. What effect did it have? 9. What is the title of 
this lesson? its Golden Text? 

THE LESSON OUTLINE, WITH WRITTEN-ANSWER QUESTIONS. 

Paul's Appeal to his Roman Citizenship. Acts 22 : 23-29. 
1. What did the chief captain order to be done to Paul, and why? 
(Acts 22 : 24.) 



2. What claim did Paul then make? (vs. 25.) 

3. What protection was thus afforded him? (vss. 26-29.) 



Paul before the Sanhedrin. Acts 22 : 30 — 23:11. 

4. When Paul was brought before the Sanhedrin (Acts 22 : 30) how did 
he address them? (Acts 23 : 1, Golden Text.) 

5. How was the high priest affected by Paul's words and bearing? 
(vs. 2.) 



6. How did Paul receive the insult offered him? (vs. 3.) 



120 Outline Bible Studies : ^ c«""' w 

7. What courtesy did he show v/hen reproved for his words? (vss. 
4,5) 



8. Describe the dissension which arose over the question of the resur- 
rection, (vss. 6-9.) 

9. How was Paul again rescr from the violence of his enemies? 
(vs. 10.) 



10. What message comforted him the next night? (vs. 11.) 



Paul's Removal to Caesarea. Acts 23: 12-35. 
11. How did the Jews now show their deadly hatred for Paul? (Acts 
23:12-15.) 



12. How was their plot exposed? (vss. 16-22.) 



13. What did the chief captain command should be done in this crisis? 
(vss. 23, 24.) 



14. What was the object of the letter which he wrote to Felix? (vss. 
25-30.) 



5. How were Lysias's commands carried out? (vss. 31-33.) 



16. How did Felix dispose of the case for the time being? (vss 
34, 35-) 



LESSON TEACHINGS, WITH QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 

17. What citizenship did Paul claim when under arrest in Jerusalem 
(Acts 22 : 25-28) ? What duties does a Christian owe to the government 
under which he lives? What has he a right to expect from it? 



Th L ir S t S y%e. The Three Great Apostles. 121 

18. How was Paul affected by the insolence of the high priest (Acts 
23 : 3) ? How did his conduct compare with that of Christ before the 
same council (Alt. 26 : 67, 68 ; 1 Pet. 2 : 23) ? Why this difference? 

19. What were some of the chief religious beliefs of the Sadducees 
(Acts 23 : 8 ; Mt. 22 : 23) ? Why did Paul, when before the council, 
claim to be a Pharisee? Did his action at this time show any lack of faith 
in God? 

20. How was God's care of Paul manifested during the next two nights 
(Acts 23 : 11, 31) ? What is the relation between our duty to care for our- 
selves, and our duty to trust ourselves to God's providential care? What 
did Cromwell mean by the injunction, "Trust in God, but keep your 
powder dry " ? 

TOPICS FOR SPECIAL INVESTIGATION AND THOUGHT. 

i. Roman citizenship; its value; how obtained. 2. Paul's attitude 
before the Sanhedrin compared with that of Stephen and of Christ. 
3. Meaning of the term " high priest of God." 4. Paul's motive in rais- 
ing the question of the resuneciion in the Sanhedrin. Was it to cause 
division, or to gain a point with the Pharisees, or to win them to believe 
in Christ's resurrection? 5. Reasons for the extraordinary precautions 
taken by Lysias for Paul's safety. 



Lesson 35. PAUL A PRISONER AT C^ESAREA. His 

Two Roman Trials, and his Appeal to Caesar. 

Acts 24: 1 — 25 : 12. About A.D. 58-60. 

Note 67. — The transfer of Paul's case to the court of Felix brought a body of the 
leading Jews to Cajsarea. As they failed to prove their accusations, the hearing was 
adjourned until a time when Lysias could be present. Several reasons, all unworthy, 
combined to delay a sentence. In the meantime the Apostle was treated kindly and 
given many liberties. But when Felix, two years later, was recalled to Rome to answer 
grave charges, he left Paul in chains, hoping by this to soften the anger of the Jews 
toward himself. 

Festus, an official of the better class, succeeded Felix. After a brief visit to Jeru- 
salem, he was followed to Caesarea by Paul's accusers, who however were unable to 
prove their vehement charges against him. The new governor asked the prisoner if 
he were willing that the hearing should be continued before himself in Jerusalem. 
Weary of delays, and apprehensive of further tumults and outrages, Paul asserted his 
right as a Roman citizen, and appealed to Caesar. Such a turn in the affair was 
entirely unexpected. By this action Paul removed his case from the jurisdiction of the 
provincial courts and insured his safe passage to Rome. Christianity had not been con- 
demned in the imperial courts, and the results of Paul's hearings so far gave him good 
reason to expect a speedy acquittal and an opportunity to preach the Gospel in the 
capital. 



122 



Outline Bible Studies : 



Progressive 
Grade. 



GOLDEN TEXT : " Herein do I also exercise myself to have a con- 
science void of offence toward God and men alway." (Acts 24 : 16.) 

SCRIPTURE, to be read in school or class : Acts 24 : 10-21. 



DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS. 



Monday ... 

Tuesday . . . 

Wednesday 

Thursday.. 

Friday 

Saturday . . 

Sunday 



Acts 24: 1-16; ") 
: 17-27./ 



. . Acts 24 
..Acts 25: 1-12. 
..Jo. 18: 28-40. 
..Mt. 10: 16-33. 
..15.54:7-17. 
..15.43:1-13. 



Paul before Felix. 

Paul before Festus. 

Christ before Pilate. 

" Before governors for my name's sake." 

Promises of Divine Protection. 

God's Comfort for the Troubled. 



REVIEW AND PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS. 

I. Why was Paul arrested in Jerusalem? 2. How was the mob affected 
by his address? 3. How did he save himself from being scourged? 4. 
Before whom was he brought on the next day? 5. How was he treated 
by the high priest? 6. How did he create a division in the council? 7. 
How was he again saved from the fury of his enemies? 8. What plot was 
afterwards made against him? 9. How was he removed from all danger? 
10. What is the title of this lesson? its Golden Text? 

THE LESSON OUTLINE, WITH WRITTEN-ANSWER QUESTIONS. 

Paul before Felix. Acts, ch„ 24. 
I . Who came to Caesarea to accuse Paul ? (Acts 24 : 1 .) 



2. With what servile flatteries did Tertullus begin his speech? (vss. 
2-4.) 



3. On what three grounds did he accuse Paul? (vss. 5, 6.) 



4. Who supported the charge? (vs. 9.) 



Tidr s ty°.five. The Three Great Apostles. 123 

5. In opening his defense, what did Paul say about being tried before 
Felix? (vss. 10, 11.) 



6. How did he prove that he was not a " mover of insurrections" or 
"sedition"? (vss. 12, 13.) 



7. What did he say about being " a ringleader of the sect of the Naza- 
renes"? (vss. 14-16.) 



8. How did he disprove having attempted to "profane the temple"? 
(vss. 17-19) 



9. What did he say about his trial before the Sanhedrin? (vss. 20, 21.) 



[o. What did Felix do with the case? (vs. 22, comp. Acts 28: 18, 19.) 



What kind of imprisonment did he then impose on Paul? (vs. 23.) 



12. Of what did Paul afterwards speak before Felix and Drusilla, and 
with what result? (vss. 24, 25.) 



13. Why did Felix not release Paul? (vs. 26.) 



14. What occurred at the end of two years? (vs. 27.) 



124 Outline Bible Studies : Pr GradJ ve 

Paul before Festus. The Appeal to Caesar. Acts 25 : 1-12. 
15. What did the chief priests at Jerusalem ask of Festus, and why? 
(Acts 25 : 1-3.) 



[6. How did Festus reply? (vss. 4, 5.) 



17. Give an account of the accusation and defense of Paul before Festus. 
(vss. 6-8.) 



18. What suggestion did Festus make, and why? (vs. 9.) 



19. Of what high privilege of Roman citizenship did Paul now avail him- 
self? (vss. 10-12.) 



LESSON TEACHINGS, WITH QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 

20. What claim of personal rectitude did Paul make before Felix (Acts 
24: 16, Golden Text)? What did he teach elsewhere as to the authority 
of conscience (Rom. 2: 14, 15)? What did the Apostle John teach on 
this subject (1 Jo. 3 : 19-21) ? Why is the voice of conscience authorita- 
tive? What is always its verdict on questions of right or wrong? How 
are we to distinguish between right and wrong? 

21. What was probably the most important moment in the life of Felix 
(Acts 24:25)? Why was his decision very foolish? How is he often 
imitated in this respect? Why is it perilous to defer accepting God's offer 
of salvation (2 Cor. 6 : 2$) ? 

22. What is your impression as to the character of Lysias? of Felix? 
Why does Paul always seem better and greater than those with whom he 
came in contact? 

TOPICS FOR SPECIAL, INVESTIGATION AND THOUGHT. 

I. The character and the history of Felix 2. The use of hired orators 
in law courts of the period. 3. Paul's finances during his long imprison- 
ment and trials ; how was he supported, and why did Felix hope for a 
bribe. 4. Paul's probable occupations and companions during his im- 
prisonment. 5. The appeal to Caesar ; its nature, and its value to Paul. 



Thirty'six. The Three Great Apostles. 125 

Lesson 36. PAUL'S DEFENSE BEFORE AGRIPPA. 
Preaching the Gospel in Chains. 

Acts 25 : 13 — 26 : 32. About A.D. 60. 

Note 68. — While Festus was awaiting a favorable opportunity to forward Paul to 
Rome, an event of unusual importance occurred. King Herod Agrippa II, grandson 
of Herod the Great, with his sister Bernice, came to pay the new governor a con- 
gratulatory visit. While they were in Ccesarea, Festus, who was greatly perplexed 
about Paul's case, sought Agrippa's advice concerning it in order that he might 
know better what accusation to send with Paul to Rome. 

As the king was curious to hear the prisoner, Paul was brought before him, not for 
trial but as an act of courtesy. In his address Paul showed that he had formerly been 
a strict Pharisee, and that in his zeal for Judaism he had persecuted the Christians 
even unto death ; but that through the revelation of Christ that had come to him on 
the way to Damascus his whole life had been changed, and that since then he had 
preached both to Jews and Gentiles remission of sins through repentance and faith in 
Jesus as the crucified and risen Saviour. 

At this point Festus interrupted him with a charge of madness for believing such 
things ; and the hearing closed with a personal but useless appeal from Paul to Agrippa 
to confirm these truths from his own knowledge of the facts and of the Scriptures. 
Festus and Agrippa agreed that Paul was innocent of any crime. But since an appeal 
to Caesar was irrevocable, he could not be released. 

GOLDEN TEXT : " I stand here to be judged for the hope of the 
promise made of God unto our fathers." (Acts 26 : 6.) 

SCRIPTURE, to be read in school or class: Acts 26:24-32. 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS. 

Monday Acts 25 : 13-27. Paul Brought before Herod Agrippa II. 

Tuesday Acts 26 : 1-1 1 ; 1 

Wednesday Acts 26 : 12-21 ; j- Paul's Defense before Agrippa. 

Thursday Acts 26: 22-32. J 

Friday Lu. 23 : 1-12. Christ before Herod Agrippa I. 

Saturday Is. 41 : 8-20. Divine Promises in Trouble. 

SUNDAY Ps. 119: 153-168. A Prayer for the Persecuted. 



REVIEW AND PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS. 

I. Who came from Jerusalem to Cassarea to accuse Paul? 2. What 
was the result of his trial before Felix? 3. How was Felix affected by 
Paul's subsequent address to him and Drusilla? 4. What plot did the 
Jews make against Paul soon after the arrival of Felix's successor? 5. 
What was the result of Paul's trial before Festus? 6. What advantage 
was it to Paul to appeal to Caesar? 7. What is the title of this lesson? 
its Golden Text? 



126 Outline Bible Studies : Pr (gZ£*°' 

THE LESSON OUTLINE, WITH WRITTEN- ANSWER QUESTIONS. 

Paul Brought before Agrippa. Acts 25 : 13-27. 
1. Who came to Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus? (Acts 
25:i3-) 



2. State briefly how Paul came to be brought before Agrippa. (vss. 
14-23.) 

3. What reason did Festus give for wishing to have this hearing? (vss. 
24-27.) 



Paul's Defense before Agrippa. Acts, ch. 26. 
4. Why was Paul glad to make his defense at this time? (Acts 26 
2,3-) 



5. What did he say as to his early religious life? (vss. 4, 5.) 



6. For what was he now accused by the Jews? (vss. 6-8.) 



7. How had he formerly treated the Christians? (vss. 9-1 1.) 



8. Describe briefly the event by which his whole life had been changed, 
(vss. 12-15.) 

9. What commission had he then received from Jesus, the Lord? (vss. 
16-18.) 



10. How had he obeyed this commission? (vss. 19, 20.) 



How had the Jews treated him because of this? (vs. 21.) 



Tjhrty"ix. The Three Great Apostles. 127 

12. What had been the substance of his preaching? (vss. 22, 23.) 



13. Why was such preaching lawful? (See Expl. Note on vs. 22.) 



14. Why did Paul appeal to king Agrippa in confirmation of what he 
had said? (vss. 24-27.) 



15. How did the king evade this appeal? (vs. 28.) 



16. What was Paul's brave but courteous reply? (vs. 29.) 



17. What did Festus and Agrippa decide regarding him? (vss. 30-32.) 



LESSON TEACHINGS, WITH QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 

18. What was the hope of the Jews referred to in Acts 26: 6, 7? How 
was the doctrine of the resurrection related to the Messiahship of Christ 
(vss. 8, 23) ? How was the fact of Christ's resurrection proved at the 
conversion of Paul (vss. 14, 15)? Why did Paul press this fact so 
earnestly at this time? 

19. What was Paul's message both to Jews and Gentiles (Acts 26:20, 
l. c.)? What two phases of the Christian life are here joined together? 
Why are both necessary ? 

20. How did Agrippa receive Paul's appeal to him personally (Acts 
26: 28) ? In what respects was he like Felix (Acts 24: 25), and in what 
different? How are they a warning to us? 

21. What was Paul's wish for the high officials before him (Acts 26: 
29)? What did he mean by this? Why is this the best thing that can 
be wished for any one ? 

TOPICS FOR SPECIAL INVESTIGATION AND THOUGHT. 

I. The character of Festus. 2. The character and official position of 
Herod Agrippa II. 3. The reasons for the hearing before Agrippa. 4. 
The condition of religious belief among the Romans at this time. 5. The 
character of the Caesar then on the throne. 



128 Outline Bible Studies : "g^S!!"' 

Lesson 37. PAUL'S VOYAGE AND SHIPWRECK. 
His Adventures on the Way to Rome. 

Acts 27 : 1 — 28 : 15. A.D. 60, 61. 

Note 69. — The first part of Paul's eventful trip to Rome was accomplished with 
comparative ease in a ship bound for Adramyttium. The difficulties began after the 
transfer, at Myra, to acorn ship going to Italy. In the stirring and perilous experiences 
of this voyage Paul played a prominent part. Had his counsel been heeded at Fair 
Havens, the subsequent disaster would have been averted. When little hope of escape 
remained, he encouraged and strengthened the storm-tossed voyagers with messages 
of cheer and promises of divine aid. The attempt of the sailors to save themselves 
by deserting the ship when it was about to be driven ashore was frustrated by his 
vigilance. It was at his suggestion and under his lead that the whole ship's company 
partook of food in anticipation of the final crisis. These incidents, as well as the 
attitude of the centurion toward Paul, show the remarkable ascendency which he had 
obtained over the minds of his heathen companions. The whole narrative exhibits 
him as a brave, sympathetic, clear-headed man, possessed of extraordinary practical 
wisdom in emergencies, and full of encouragement and hope when others were in 
despair. 

The accuracy of the narrative has been fully demonstrated by modern investigations, 
which clearly proclaim its author, the faithful Luke, to have been an eye-witness of the 
events described. The journey probably occupied about six months, or from the early 
Autumn of A. D. 60 to the Spring of 61. 

GOLDEN TEXT: "Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe 
God, that it shall be even so as it hath been spoken unto me." (Acts 
27:25.) 

SCRIPTURE, to be read in school or class : Acts 27 : 33-44. 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS. 

Monday Acts 27 : 1-8. The Voyage to Fair Havens. 

Tuesday Acts 27 : 9-19. The Beginning of the Storm. 

Wednesday Acts 27 : 20-26. Paul Encouraging the Ship's Company. 

Thursday Acts 27 : 27-32. Paul's Watchful Care Shown. 

Friday Acts 27 : 33-44. The Wreck and the Escape. 

Saturday Acts 28 : 1-15. At Melita, and the Trip to Rome. 

Sunday Ps. 107 : 23-32. Praise for Deliverance from a Storm. 

REVIEW AND PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS. 

I. Who succeeded Felix as governor of Judea? 2. Why was Paul's 
case laid before Agrippa? 3. Why was Paul glad to make his defense 
before him? 4. What did Paul say of his early Jewish life? 5. How had 
his life been changed? 6. How did Festus regard his words? 7. How 
did Agrippa cut short Paul's appeal to him? 8. What did Paul wish for 
his hearers? 9. What did Festus and Agrippa agree concerning him? 
10. What is the title of this lesson? its Golden Text? 



Lesson 
Thirty-seven. 



The Three Great Apostles. 



I2Q 



THE LESSON OUTLINE, WITH WRITTEN- ANSWER QUESTIONS. 

From Caesarea to Melita. Acts, ch. 27. 




Map No. 15. For Tracing St. Paul's Voyage to Rome. 

Note 70. — As the lesson is studied, trace carefully on Map No. 15 the route 
followed. 

I. With whom and by what conveyance did Paul start for Rome? 
(Acts 27 : 1, 2.) 



2. Describe the journey as far as Myra. (vss. 3-5.) 

3. Describe the journey from Myra to Fair Havens, (vss. 6-8.) 

4. What did Paul then advise, and why? (vss. 9, 10.) 



5. Why was his advice not taken? (vss. n, 12.) 



6. What occurred after they sailed for Phcenix? (vss. 13-15.) 



7. What was done for the safety of the ship? (vss. 16-19.) 



130 Outline Bible Studies : Pr STade! ve 

8. How did Paul encourage the despairing company? (vss. 20-26.) 



9. What occurred during the fourteenth night of the storm? (vss. 
27-29.) 



to. How was Paul's watchful care here shown? (vss. 30-32.) 



11. How did he also show his calm courage and practical wisdom? 
(vss. 33-37.) 



12. Describe the events of the next few hours, (vss. 38-44.) 

From Melita to Rome. Acts 28:1-15. 

13. How were Paul and his companions received at Melita? (Acts 
28:1,2.) 



14. What happened to Paul at this time? (vss. 3-6.) 

15. How did Paul repay the kindness shown him? (vss. 7-10.) 

16. Describe the journey from Melita to Rome. (vss. 11-15.) 

LESSON TEACHINGS, WITH QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 

17. How did Paul's leadership first appear on this voyage (Acts 
27 : 10) ? What other illustrations of it are seen (vss. 21-26, 30, 31, 33- 
36) ? How did the centurion regard him (vs. 43) ? How do you account 
for the fact that he, a prisoner under guard, should have become so prom- 
inent ? 

18. What did God promise Paul regarding the safety of the ship's 
company (Acts 27 : 22-26) ? What did Paul afterwards declare to be 
necessary in order to the fulfilment of this promise (vss. 30, 31) ? What 
did the soldiers still later propose to do by which its fulfilment would have 
been prevented (vs. 42)? Through what means did the ship's company 
finally all escape safe to land and so fulfil God's promise (vss. 43, 44) ? 



ThfrtyTight. The Three Great Apostles. 131 

19. Did Paul and the other persons mentioned act freely in these 
matters or under divine compulsion? What do you infer from these facts 
as to the relation between God's promises and man's free agency? What, 
as to our own responsibility for the fulfilment of God's promises to us ? 

20. How did Paul make himself useful on the island of Melita (Acts 
28 : 3, 8. 9)? For what was he thankful on approaching Rome (vs. 15)? 
State briefly your impression of Paul as gained from the incidents of this 
journey. 

TOPICS FOR SPECIAL, INVESTIGATION AND THOUGHT. 

I. Paul's companions, Aristarchus and Luke ; how they came to accom- 
pany him. 2. Prevailing winds in the Mediterranean at that season of 
the year. 3. The ship ; size, character, etc. 4. Character of the harbor 
at Fair Havens. 5. The position, character, etc., of St. Paul's Bay at 
Melita. 6. How Luke's use of the term "barbarian" indicates his own 
nationality. 7. The Appian Way. 



Lesson 38. PAUL'S FIRST ROMAN IMPRISONMENT. 
The Gospel Furthered by his Bonds. 

Acts 28: 16-31 ; Phil. 1 : 12-26. Written from prison, between A.D. 61 and 63. 

Note 71. — Once arrived in Rome Paul again experienced the leniency of the 
government. Though chained night and day to a soldier, he was allowed to live in his 
own hired dwelling and to receive visitors freely. This gave him his much longed for 
opportunity to preach the Gospel in Rome. Immediately after his arrival he began 
this work by an address to the Jews, who rejected his message. He then turned to the 
Gentiles, and while waiting for his trial continued his work among them two years, 
reaching many people. Even his bonds, irksome as they must have been, aided in 
this work ; for the frequent changes in his guard brought many different soldiers into 
contact with him, and resulted in spreading a knowledge of the Gospel "throughout 
the whole praetorian guard." 

Of Paul's experiences during these years we get some hints from the Epistle to the 
Philippians. This Epistle was written in grateful acknowledgment of gifts from the 
liberal Philippians to alleviate the hardship of Paul's imprisonment, and was sent to 
them by their messenger, Epaphroditus, who had brought him the gifts. With that 
devoted self-forgetfulness which was so characteristic of Paul, it says almost nothing 
of his personal sufferings, but much of the way in which his imprisonment had 
contributed to the spread of the Gospel, and of his loving regard for the Philippians 
and his gratitude to them for their timely beneficence. It shows that his spirit had not 
been broken under the disappointments and rigors of a long-continued prison life. 

GOLDEN TEXT: " I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may 
speak boldly, as I ought to speak." (Eph. 6 : 20.) 

SCRIPTURE, to be read in school or class : Acts 28 : 23-31. 



IJ2 Outline Bible Studies : Pr %Z£?" 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS. 

MONDAY Acts 28 : 16-22. Paul's Meeting with the Jews in Rome. 

Tuesday Acts 28 : 23-31. The Jews' Rejection of Paul's Message. 

Wednesday Phil. 1 ■ 1-1 1. Paul's Love for the Philippians. 

Thursday Phil. 1 : 12-21 ; "» The Spread of the Gospel Furthered by 

Friday Phil. 1 : 22-30. J Paul's Imprisonment. 

Saturday Phil. 4 : 10-23. Paul's Gratitude for the Gifts Sent Him. 

Sunday Col. 4 : 7-18. Paul's Companions in Rome. 

REVIEW AND PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS. 

I. With whom did Paul sail on his journey to Rome? 2. Describe the 
voyage from Caesarea to Fair Havens. 3. What occurred soon after they 
left Fair Havens? 4. How did Paul encourage the despairing company? 
5. How was his watchful care shown during the fourteenth night of the 
storm? 6. Describe the shipwreck. 7. State briefly what Paul did on the 
island of Melita. 8. Describe the remainder of the journey to Rome. 9. 
Why did Paul write the Epistle to the Philippians (Note 71) ? 10. What 
is the title of this lesson? its Golden Text? 

THE LESSON OUTLINE, WITH WRITTEN-ANSWER QUESTIONS. 

Paul a Prisoner in Rome. Acts 28: 16-31. 
1. What great favor was shown to Paul in Rome? (Acts 28 : 16.) 



2. Whom did he soon invite to meet him? (vs. 17a.) 



3. How did he account to them for his present position ? (vss. iyd-iga.) 



4. What spirit did he show toward his countrymen? (vs. 19A comfi. 
Rom. 9 : 1-5 ; 10: 1.) 



5. Why had he sought this interview? (vs. 20.) 

6. What did his hearers reply ? 
rs 21. 

VS. 32. 



TUr S ty7i g ht. The Three Great Apostles. 133 

7. Describe Paul's last meeting with the Jews in Rome. (vss. 23, 24.) 

8. What was his final message to them? (vss. 25-27.) 



9. To whom did he then turn for hearers? (vs. 28.) 



10. How did he spend the next two years? (vss. 30, 31.) 



The Gospel Furthered by Paul's Imprisonment. Phil. 1 : 12-26. 
1 1 . What general effect attended Paul's imprisonment in Rome? (Phil. 
1 : 12.) 



12. What two good results are especially mentioned? 
vs. 13. 

vs. 14. 

13. In what two ways did his presence stimulate the Roman Christians? 
(vss. 15-17) 



2 

14. At what did he show a noble joy? (vs. 18.) 



15. How was this joy reasonable, whatever the issue of his imprison- 
ment might be? (vss. 19, 20, see Expl. Note, in App.) 



16. As between his own good and the good of the church, what conflict- 
ing desires agitated him? (vss. 21-24.) 



17. What, nevertheless, did he foresee would be the issue of his im- 
prisonment? (vss. 25, 26.) 



134 Outline Bible Studies : Pr G g fad/™ 

LESSON TEACHINGS, WITH QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 

18. What was Paul's position while in Rome (Acts 28 : 16 ; Phil. 1 : 13) ? 
How might he have excused himself from preaching under such circum- 
stances? How did he triumph over his circumstances? Why do we often 
allow circumstances to triumph over us? 

19. What was the attitude of the world toward Christianity at that time 
(Acts 28 : 22) ? What effect did this have on the spread of the Gospel ? 
What is the position of Christianity among us to-day? How is Chris- 
tianity helped by this? How is it endangered? 

20. By what assurance was Paul's mind filled with abiding peace (Phil. 
1 : 21)? How did this influence his course as a prisoner? What spirit 
did he show, as seen in this lesson? 

TOPICS FOR SPECIAL INVESTIGATION AND THOUGHT. 

I. Conditions and character of life in Rome at this time. 2. A com- 
parison of the attitude of the Jews of Rome toward Paul with that of the 
Jews at Thessalonica, Ephesus, Corinth, and Jerusalem. 3. The abrupt 
ending of Acts. Did Luke intend to write a sequel ? 4. The Philippians ; 
their character, strength of their church, etc. 5. The Epistle to the 
Philippians ; date, occasion and general character. 



Lesson 39. REVIEW OF LESSONS 27-38. 

Note 72.— Summary of Events in Lessons 27-38. (1) The Close of Paul's 
Third Missionary Journey . — After leaving Ephesus Paul went to Troas. -From there 
he crossed over into Macedonia in order to meet Titus sooner, and after preaching 
throughout that region went on to Corinth. During this journey he completed the 
great collection for the poor saints in Jerusalem (Les. 27). Upon leaving Corinth to 
take the collection to Jerusalem he did not sail direct for Syria because of a plot of 
the Jews against him, but returned to Troas by way of Macedonia. Here he met the 
rest of his party ; and having sailed with them to Miletus and thence to Caesarea, he at 
last reached Jerusalem in safety but burdened by prophecies of approaching evil (Les. 
32). The third journey occupied a period of about four and a half years (A.D. 54-58). 

(2) Paul's Epistles Written During this Period. — The second Epistle to the Corin- 
thians was written while Paul was in Macedonia. It was occasioned by the news 
which Titus brought to him from Corinth. In it the Apostle gave directions about the 
great collection (Les. 27) ; and defended himself from the assaults of his enemies, first, 
by stating the character and motives of his ministry (Les. 28) , and then by an elaborate 
defense of his apostleship (Les. 29). While Paul was in Corinth he wished very much 
to visit the church in Rome. But being unable to do so at that time, he wrote them an 
Epistle, expressing his desire to see them (Les. 30), and carefully explaining the way 
of salvation through faith (Les. 31). 

(3) Paul's Arrest and First Roman hnprisonment. — In Jerusalem Paul's enemies 
stirred up a riot against him, and would have killed him had not the Roman soldiery 



T/hrty-ntnc. The Three Great Apostles. 135 

intervened and arrested him (Les. 33). He was brought before the Sanhedrin for 
trial, but would have been torn in pieces by them had not the Roman soldiers a second 
time intervened and taken him out of their hands. The Jews then plotted to assassi- 
nate him, but as a Roman citizen he was sent under guard to Caesarea to save his life 
(Les. 34). Here he was tried before Felix, and though uncondemned was kept in 
prison two years. Afterwards he was tried again before Festus, but despairing of 
justice in Judea, he appealed to Caesar (Les. 35). Before being sent to Rome, how- 
ever, he was given a hearing before King Agrippa, who agreed with Festus that he 
might have been set at liberty except for his appeal (Les. 36). Paul's eventful voyage 
to Rome resulted in the total wreck of the ship on the island of Melita. After spending 
the winter there the party went on to Rome (Les. 37). Paul was kept a prisoner in 
Rome two years, living in his own hired dwelling and working faithfully for the spread 
of the Gospel (Les. 38). This period of Paul's life as a prisoner covered about four 
and a half years, A.D. 58-63. 

GOLDEN TEXT : " I hold not my life of any account, as dear unto 
myself, so that I may accomplish my course, and the ministry which I 
received from the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God." 

(Acts 20 : 24.) 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS. PAUL'S ADDRESSES. 

Monday Acts 20: 17-27; "j -, ., „ , „., L ,,.. L 

Tuesday Acts 20 : 28-38. } T ° thG E P hesian Elders at Mlletus - 

Wednesday Acts 22: 1-10; "| ^ f ., ... , . T , 

Thursday Acts 22 : 1 1-21. } Before the Mob ln J«usalem. 

Friday Acts 24 : 10-21 . At his Trial before Felix. 

Saturday Acts 26 : i-n : 1 K . ., „ . c * 

Sunday Acts 26 : 1 2-23. } At the Heann S before A g n PP a - 

GOLDEN TEXT RESPONSIVE SERVICE. 

(To be used in place of the regular Scripture Reading with this lesson. The numerals with 
the questions refer to the lessons of the quarter.) 

XXVII. Superintendent (or Teacher}. What did Paul say to encour- 
age generosity? 

Sunday -school {or Class). "God loveth a cheerful giver." (2 Cor. 

XXVIII. What was his message as an ambassador of God? 

" We are ambassadors therefore on behalf of Christ, as though God 
were intreating by us : we beseech you on behalf of Christ, be ye recon- 
ciled to God. 11 (2 Cor. 5 : 20.) 

XXIX. In what alone did he glory? 

" Far be it from me to glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus 
Christ/' (Gal. 6: 14a.) 

XXX. What did he say as to the scope of his mission? 

"lam debtor both to Greeks and to Barbarians, both to the wise and 
to the foolish. " (Rom. 1 : 14.) 



ij6 Outline Bible Studies : ^VaT!™ 

XXXI. How did he regard the Gospel? 

" I am not ashamed of the gospel : for it is the power of God unto sal- 
vation to every one that believeth." (Rom. i : 16a.) 

XXXII. What was his parting injunction to the Ephesian elders? 

44 Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, It is 
more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20 : 35^.) 

XXXIII. How may his experiences in Jerusalem be described? 

" We are pressed on every side, yet not straitened ; perplexed, yet not 
unto despair." (2 Cor. 4 : 8.) 

XXXIV. How did he assert his innocence before the Sanhedrin? 
"Paul, looking stedfastly on the council, said, Brethren, I have lived 

before God in all good conscience until this day." (Acts 23 : 1.) 

XXXV. What claim did he make before Felix? 

44 Herein do I also exercise myself to have a conscience void of offence 
toward God and men alway." (Acts 24: 16.) 

XXXVI. How did he state his case to Agrippa? 

44 1 stand here to be judged for the hope of the promise made of God 
unto our fathers." (Acts 26: 6.) 

XXXVII. How did he encourage the despairing sailors in the storm? 
44 Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be 

even so as it hath been spoken unto me." (Acts 27 : 25.) 

XXXVIII. How did he describe himself as a prisoner? 

44 I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I 
ought to speak." (Eph.6:2o.) 

XXXIX. What spirit did Paul show through all his varied experiences? 
44 I hold not my life of any account, as dear unto myself, so that I may 

accomplish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord 
Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God." (Acts 20 : 24.) 

QUESTIONS ON THE CLOSE OF PAUL'S THIRD MISSIONARY 
JOURNEY. 

1. What is the title of Part III of this Course of lessons? Through 
what years did the third missionary journey extend? 

2. State briefly opposite the following references the events to which 
they refer. 

Note 73. — These statements when complete will form an outline of the events 
studied during the quarter. An arrangement of them in tabular form before the eye 
assists greatly in fixing them in mind in chronological order. 

Acts 20 : i-3#. 



1 Cor. 16: 1-4. I 

2 Cor., chs.8, 9. I 



Lesson 
Thirty-nine. 



The Three Great Apostles. 



137 



Acts 20: 3^-17. 



Acts 20 : 18-38. 



Acts 21 : 1-16. 



3. How was Paul greatly disappointed in Troas? To what important 
matter did he give much attention at this time? What did he hope to 
accomplish by it ? 

4. What route did Paul take from Corinth to Jerusalem, and why? 
State briefly what occurred during this journey in Troas ; in Miletus ; in 
Tyre ; in Cassarea. 



Ti — 7 — T 

'<L± v I 




Map No. 16. For Tracing St. Paul's Third Missionary Journey. 



5. Trace on Map No. 16 the whole of St. Paul's third missionary jour- 
ney. 



Jj8 Outline Bible Studies : Pr ° G g radt e 

PAUL'S epistl.es written during this period. 

6. What was the occasion of the second Epistle to the Corinthians? 
Where was it written? What are its principal contents? What experi- 
ences did Paul cite to prove his apostolic authority? 

7. What is taught in this Epistle about Paul's ministry and the hope of 
eternal life? What, about his sense of responsibility to Christ? What, 
about his message as an ambassador of God? 

8. Why did Paul write the Epistle to the Romans? What great sub- 
ject did he treat fully in this Epistle ? 

THE CLOSING YEARS OF PAUL'S MINISTRY. 

9. State briefly opposite the following references the events to which 
they refer (see Note 73). 

Acts 21 : 17-26. 



Acts 21 : 27-36. 
Acts 21 : 37 — 22:22. 
Acts 22 : 23-29. 
Acts 22: 30 — 23 : II. 
Acts 23 : 12-35. 
Acts, ch. 24. 
Acts 25 : I-I2„ 
Acts 25 : 13—26: 32. 



Lesson 
Thirty-nine. 



The Three Great Apostles. 



*39 



Acts, ch. 27. 



Acts 28: 1— 1 5. 



Acts 28: 16-31. 
Phil. 1 : 12-26. 



10. How did Paul attempt to conciliate the Christian Jews in Jerusalem? 
Describe the attack made on him in the temple. How did he defend him- 
self before the mob ? 

11. How did Paul's Roman citizenship protect him? What occurred 
when he was before the Sanhedrin for trial? How was he rescued from 
the plot of the Jews? 

12. What was the outcome of Paul's trial before Felix? before Festus? 
Why was Paul given a hearing before Agrippa? 

13. Describe briefly Paul's journey to Rome. Trace his route on Map 
No. 17. 










JwGRE"- 



Aba 



L YD/A 

V SI 



i. v )ty/ 



* D fi / A 

'Malta 



p'^Stiochto 1 



^jPP^»^' 




F^?fx 



ST. PAUL'S 
VOYAGE TO ROME 

MAP NO. I 7 



OJl O /? b A T \ 3 B A pxoi 



J *Pfiffl. 



E G 

__ 3b 



Map No. 17. For Tracing St. Paul's Voyage to Rome. 



14. How long was Paul imprisoned in Rome? How did this imprison- 
ment affect the preaching of the Gospel in that city? 



1^0 Outline Bible Studies. r $?adeT* 

GENERAL QUESTIONS. 

15. What is taught in these lessons about the way of salvation? What, 
about the future life? What, about Christian charity? What, about 
strength in weakness? 

16. Cite from these lessons examples of Paul's cares and anxieties; of 
his practical wisdom ; of his courage ; of his power over men ; of his 
devotion to his work ; of his high Christian character. What is your 
impression of Paul as seen in these lessons? 

17. Of what is Felix a conspicuous example? What do those who are 
11 in Christ " become (2 Cor. 5 : 17) ? What comfort may we have in trib- 
ulation (2 Cor. 4:17, 18) ? What peace may we have, and how (Rom. 5 : 
1,2)? 



LesS Fort y . The Three Great Apostles. 141 

Lesson 40. PAUL AND ONESIMUS. A Fugitive Slave 
Restored to his Master. 

Philemon. Written between A.d. 61 and 63. 

Note 74.— Philemon was apparently a resident of Colosse in the province of 
Asia. He was one of Paul's converts, probably during the Ephesian ministry, and was 
one of the leading members of the Colossian church, which had a meeting-place in 
his house. 

According to the universal custom of the times for persons in easy circumstances, 
he held slaves. One of them, named Onesimus, had escaped to Rome, where he fell 
in with Paul and became a Christian. He showed his gratitude by devoting himself 
so efficiently to Paul's personal comfort that the imprisoned Apostle became very 
much attached to him. Much as Paul needed him, he felt that it was not right to 
retain him without his owner's consent. He therefore persuaded Onesimus to return 
to Philemon, taking with him a letter in which Paul gracefully and tenderly interceded 
for the returning penitent, now a brother in the faith. 

This communication, the only private letter of Paul's that has survived of what must 
have been a large correspondence, reveals far more than his longer Epistles his 
extraordinary tact and exquisite delicacy in dealing with men. 

GOLDEN TEXT : " Perhaps he was therefore parted from thee for 
a season, that thou shouldest have him for ever." (Philemon, vs. 15.) 

SCRIPTURE, to be read in school or class: Philemon, vss. 1-14. 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS. 

Monday . . ..Philemon, vss. 1-14; 1 „ ,, T , . „,., 

Tuesday Philemon, vss. 15-25. } Paul s Letter to Phlle ™"- 

Wednesday.. Eph. 6: 5-9; Col. 3: 22 — 4:1;) . . .. T . ,, 

Thursday ...1 Tim. 6: i, 2; Titus2: 9 -i4 \\ A P os f tollc Injunctions to Mas- 

Friday I Pet. 2 : 18-25. j ters and Slaves " 

Saturday Lev. 25 : 39-55; \ Old Testament Laws about 

SUNDAY Deut. 15: 1-18. J Slaves. 

REVIEW AND PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS. 

I. How long was Paul imprisoned in Caesarea? 2. What impression as 
to his guilt was produced by his hearing before Felix, Festus, and Agrippa? 
3. Why did he appeal to Caesar? 4. Who accompanied him from 
Caesarea to Rome ? 5. Mention briefly the leading incidents of the voy- 
age. 6. What occurred after he reached Rome? 7. What peculiar inter- 
est attaches to the Epistle to Philemon (Note 74) ? 8. What is the title 
of this lesson? its Golden Text? 

THE LESSON OUTLINE, WITH WRITTEN-ANSWER QUESTIONS. 

Introductory Address and Thanksgiving. Philemon, vss. 1-7. 
1. Who was Philemon? (See Note 74, B. D., and Expl. Note on 
vs. 1.) 



142 Outline Bible Studies : ^cSaTe™ 

2. Who was Onesimus, and what was the occasion of the letter to 
Philemon? (Note 74.) 



3. In beginning this letter, how did Paul describe himself, and why? 
(Philemon, vs. \a ; see Expl. Notes in Afip.) 



4. To whom, besides Philemon, was the letter addressed? (vss. lb, 
2.) 



5. What pleasant reports had Paul heard about Philemon? (vss. 4, 



6. For what did he pray on Philemon's behalf? (vs. 6.) 



7. Why did Paul mention these commendatory things at the beginning 
of his letter? (Expl. Note on vs. 7.) 



Paul's Intercession for Onesimus. Philemon, vss. 8-25. 
8. Why did Paul feel that he had authority to command Philemon? 
(Philemon, vs. 8.) 



9. Why did he not use this authority? (vs. 9.) 



10. On what grounds did he intercede for Onesimus? 
vs. 10. 



vs. 1 



VS. 12. 



Lesson 



<™ riy _ The Three Great Apostles. 143 

II. What was Paul's personal wish concerning this slave? (vss. 13, 
■4-) 



12. How had the flight of Onesimus been overruled for good? (vss. 
15, 16; see Expl. Notes.) 

To Onesimus himself. 
To Philemon. 

To Paul. 

13. How did Paul sum up his intercession? (vs. 17.) 



14. What did he pledge himself to do? (vss. 18, iga.) 



15. Of what, however, did he playfully remind Philemon? (vs. igo.) 



16. What was his conviction as to the effect of this letter? (vss. 20, 



7. What did Paul expect concerning himself? (vs. 22.) 



18. Which of Paul's companions were with him in Rome at this time? 
(vss. 23, 24.) 



LESSON TEACHINGS, WITH QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 

19. What principles of action did Paul illustrate in his dealings with 
Philemon and Onesimus? On what did he base his appeal to Philemon? 
Why is love a more potent moral agency than authority? What is the 
best way of winning men to our views? 

20. Why is slavery a crime? Why did Paul send a runaway slave back 
to his master? Why did he not urge Philemon to liberate him at once? 
What did Paul urge converted slaves to do (see Daily Scripture Readings) ? 



J 44 Outline Bible Studies : Pr °iradt e 

21. How did Paul urge Philemon to receive Onesimus (vs. 16)? What 
would the result of such a reception naturally be? How does Christian- 
ity meet the evil of human slavery? How does it meet other evils in 
society? Why are reforms effected by force not lasting? 

TOPICS FOR SPECIAL, INVESTIGATION AND THOUGHT. 

I. The prevalence of slavery in the ancient world. 2. The position of 
the Old Testament toward slavery (see Daily Scripture Readings). 3. 
Why heathenism was incompetent to deal with it. 4. The position of 
Christianity toward slavery. 5. The probable effect if Christianity had 
entered at once on a crusade against it. 6. The basis of permanent 
moral and social reforms. 



Lesson 41. PAUL'S JOY OVER THE PHILIPPIANS. 
Exhortations to Humility and Unselfishness. 

Selections from Philippians. Written between A.d. 61 and 63. 

Note 75. — The church in Philippi was the first founded by Paul in Europe. Be- 
tween this church and himself a strong mutual affection existed. This was probably 
owing to the character of the Philippians whose simple virtues protected them from 
many evils that tried other churches. Unlike the Galatians they had not yielded to 
intruding Judaizers. Unlike the Corinthians they were not voluptuaries, nor were they 
puffed up with intolerable self-conceit. 

The Philippians showed a constant and practical sympathy in Paul's work and 
experiences. Repeatedly they sent contributions for his support and comfort. The 
return of Epaphroditus, who had come to Rome with fresh tokens of their liberality 
and love, gave Paul an opportunity to send them a letter by the hand of their own 
messenger (see Note 71, Lesson 38). 

This letter, which is mainly a loving acknowledgment of the help received and an 
expression of Paul's joy over the Philippians, contains also some personal notices 
concerning himself, with a variety of affectionate counsels and warnings. Possibly 
there were slight factions in the church. To help them cultivate a spirit of unity he 
urged them also to cultivate that spirit of humility and unselfishness which received 
its highest exemplification in Christ. 

The evidence seems to preponderate slightly in favor of the letter having been 
written during the earlier, rather than during the later, part of Paul's first Roman 
imprisonment. 

GOLDEN TEXT: " Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ 
Jesus." (Phil. 2:5.) 

SCRIPTURE, to be read in school or class: Phil. 2:1-11. 



Forty-Tne. The Three Great Apostles. 145 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS. 

Monday Acts 16: n-24; \ The Founding of the Church among the 

Tuesday Acts 16 : 25-40. J Philippians. 

Wednesday Phil. 2 : 1-1 1. The Humility of Christ. 

Thursday Jo. 1 : 1-18. The Word Become Flesh. 

Friday Heb. 2 : 9-18. Christ Perfected through Sufferings. 

Saturday Phil. 2 : 12-30. Exhortations, and Personal Matters. 

Sunday Phil. 3 : 1 7 — 4 : 9. Warnings and Exhortations. 

REVIEW AND PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS. 

i. What occasioned Paul's letter to Philemon? 2. Who was Philemon? 
3. Who was Onesimus? 4. How had Onesimus endeared himself to 
Paul ? 5 . What favorable interpretation did Paul put on the running away of 
Onesimus? 6. How did he ask Philemon to receive him? 7. What did 
he pledge himself to do? 8. What was Paul's expectation concerning 
himself when he wrote the letter? 9. What is the title of this lesson? 
its Golden Text? 

THE LESSON OUTLINE, WITH WRITTEN-ANSWER QUESTIONS. 

Paul's Joy over the Philippians. Scattered References. 

1. For what did Paul thank God concerning the Philippians? (Phil. 
i:3-5-) 

2. Of what was he confident concerning them? (1 : 6.) 



3. Why did he esteem them so highly? (1 : 7, 8.) 

4. What did he pray Tor on their behalf? (1 : 9-1 1.) 

5. On what ground did he ask them to fulfil his joy? (2 : 1, 2.) 

6. What did he call them? (4:1.) 

7. What fresh cause for joy had they given him? (4: 10, 14, 18.) 



146 Outline Bible Studies : Pr rZT' ve 



Grade. 



8. How had they on previous occasions testified their love for him? 
(4:15, 16.) 



9. How would their love for him be repaid? (4: 19.) 



Exhortations to Humility and Unselfishness. Phil. 2:1-16. 
10. How were the Christians in Philippi urged to treat one another? 
(Phil. 2:3,4.) 



11. What example of humility and unselfishness did Paul cite to them? 
(vss. 5-8.) 



12. By what example of reward did he inspire them? (vss. 9-1 1.) 



13 What did he urge them to do whether he was absent or present? 
(vs. 12.) 



4. Whose help was promised them in this work? (vs. 13.) 



15. How ought they to conduct themselves in the world? (vss. 
14-16^.) 



16. How would such Christian conduct ultimately affect Paul? (vs. 
16b.) 



LESSON TEACHINGS, WITH QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 

17. How had the Philippians caused Paul great joy (Phil. 1 : 3-5 ; 2:12; 
4:10-18)? What is the most joyful news that we can have concerning 
others (3 Jo., vss. 3, 4)? Why is this such good news? 

18. What did Paul exhort the Philippians to possess (Phil. 2:5)? 
Who was Christ before He came into this world (Phil. 2 : 6, co?np. Jo. 1 : 
1-4) ? To what extent did He humble Himself (Phil. 2 : 7, 8 ; Jo. 1 : 14) ? 
What were the two great steps in this humiliation? How did they com- 
pare in importance? 



FortyTwo. The Three Great Apostles. 147 

19. Why did our Lord thus humble Himself? What does the great- 
ness of this humiliation imply concerning the need of man? What, con- 
cerning man's value as a being? What, concerning the way of salvation? 

20. How did God reward His Son for His unparalleled humiliation 
(Phil. 2:9)? Why did God thus exalt Him (vss. 10, 11)? What is 
here taught concerning the future of Christ's kingdom (comp. Rom. 14: 
11 ; 1 Cor. 15:25-28; Rev. 5: 13)? 

TOPICS FOR SPECIAX INVESTIGATION AND THOUGHT. 

r. The doctrine of the incarnation of Christ as held by Paul. 2. 
Paul's conception of the heavenly preexistence of Christ. 3. Meaning of 
the phrase " in the form of God " (Phil. 2:6). 4. Of what did the Son 
of God " empty himself" in becoming man? 5. Do Paul's writings show 
any acquaintance with the Gospel narrative of Christ's supernatural 
birth? 



Lesson 42. PAUL'S TEACHING CONCERNING THE 

SUPREMACY OF CHRIST. The Antidote to False 

Philosophy. 

Selections from Ephesians and Colossians. Written during Paul's imprisonment, 
between a.d. 58 and 63. 

Note 76. — The Epistles of Paul to the Colossians and to the Ephesians date from 
his first imprisonment. Some hold that they were written from Caesarea, but others 
with more probability regard them as written from Rome. If from Rome, it still 
remains uncertain whether they preceded or followed the Epistles to Philemon and to 
the Philippians. 

Colosse was situated on the great overland trade route to the East, about 120 miles 
from Ephesus. Laodicea lay between the two, about seven miles from Colosse. Both 
churches seem to have been offshoots of Paul's long ministry in Ephesus, and, though 
he never visited them, he regarded them as subject to his supervision. During his 
imprisonment in Caesarea or Rome he was visited by Epaphras, a member of the 
church in Colosse, and perhaps its founder (Col. 1:7; 4:12). A prominent reason 
for the visit seems to have been to report to Paul the appearance of a new and dan- 
gerous heresy that was making rapid headway in the churches. It used the Gospel 
mainly as a foundation on which to build a huge superstructure of philosophical 
speculations (see Remark 14, in App.). Unthinking people were captivated by it. But 
Paul saw that it was subversive of every distinctive principle in the Gospel, and set 
himself to combating it by presenting the opposite truth. This he does in the letter to 
the Colossian church, which was also sent to the church in Laodicea (Col. 4 : 16). 

Immediately after completing this letter he appears to have written that to the 
Ephesians (see Remark 15, in App.), In general it deals with the same subject, 



148 



Outline Bible Studies : 



Progressive 
Grade. 



namely, the absolute supremacy of Christ and His Headship over the church. But in 
addition it develops the thought that the Gentiles as well as the Jev/s were constituent 
parts of the church, the body of which Christ is the Head. Both letters seem to have 
been forwarded by the same messenger {comp. Eph. 6 : 21, 22 with Col. 4 : 7, 8). 

GOLDEN TEXT : " He put all things in subjection under his feet, 
and gave him to be head over all things to the church." (Eph. 
1 : 22.) 

SCRIPTURE, to be read in school or class : Eph. 1 : 15-23. 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS. 



Monday . . . 
Tuesday... 
Wednesday 
Thursday . 

Friday 

Saturday.. 
Sunday.,.. 



. .Col. 1 : 1-14. 
. .Eph. 1 : 1-14. 
..Col. 1 : 15-23; 
..Eph. 1:15-23. 
..Col. 2; 
..Col. 
. . Eph. 2 



: 13-23; \ 
2: 1-IO. J 



Introductory Thanksgiving and Prayer. 
God's Eternal Purpose in Christ. 

The Supreme Lordship of Christ. 

Warnings against False Philosophy and 
Corrupt Practices. 



REVIEW AND PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS. 

I. What special reasons for joy had the Philippians given to Paul? 
2. How had they testified their personal love for him? 3. What 
did he urge them to cultivate in their relation one to another? 4. 
Whose example did he cite ? 5. How was the church in Colosse related 
to Paul's ministry (Note 76) ? 6. What was the occasion of the letter to 
the Colossians? 7. How is the letter to the Ephesians related to the 
letter to the Colossians? 8. What is the title of this lesson? its Golden 
Text? 

THE LESSON OUTLINE, WITH WRITTEN- ANSWER QUESTIONS. 

The Supreme Lordship of Christ. Col. 1 : 15-23; Eph. 1 :g, 10, 20-23. 

Note 77. — In Col. 1 : 15-20 we discover Paul's real purpose in writing the letter. 
In opposition to the false teachers, whom, however, he does not mention until later 
(2:8), Paul shows that Christ is the only Son of God, and that to Him the Father has 
given universal and supreme sovereignty. This sovereignty is twofold in character : 
Natural because of Christ's relation to the universe (1:15-17), and redemptory 
because of His relation to the church (1 : 18-20). Remark 14, in App., explains the 
nature of the heresy that Paul opposed, and should be carefully read before studying 
the lesson questions. 

I. How did Paul describe Christ's relation to God? (Col. 1 : 15.) 



2. What was God's eternal purpose concerning Christ? (Eph. 
9, 10.) 



Fo L riy S -Zo. The Three Great Apostles, 149 

3. How is Christ's power revealed in the physical universe? (Col. 
1 : 16, 17.) 



4. What is the extent of His sovereignty? (Eph. 1 : 20-220.) 



5. How is His glory revealed in the church? (Col. 1:18; Eph. 
1 : 22^.) 



6. What is His supreme qualification for this Headship? (Col. 1 : 19 
Eph. 1 : 23, comp. Col. 2 : 3, 9.) 



7. For what special purpose was He made Head of the church? (Col. 
: 20.) 



8. How had the Colossians experienced this work in themselves? (Col. 
I: 21, 22.) 



Warnings against the Colossian Heresy. Col., ch. 2. 
9. What was the great " mystery 1 ' of which Paul speaks to the Colos- 
sians? (Col. 2 : 2d, comp. 1 : 26, 27.) 



10. In whom did Paul find the treasures of knowledge and wisdom for 
which the false teachers sought in vain elsewhere? (vss. 3, 4,comp. Eph. 
1:8,9; 3:8,9.) 



Note 78. — The preceding portion of the Epistle is a preparation for Paul's direct 
attack on the Colossian heresy, which occupies 2: 8-23. " He denounces (1) its false 
philosophy of religion (vss. 8-15) ; (2) its arbitrary and obsolete ceremonialism (vss. 
!6, 17) ; (3) its visionary angel-worship (vss. 18, 19) ; (4) its ascetic rules (vss. 20-22). 
Verse 23 reviews the whole system." 

11. How did Paul characterize the Colossian heresv in its religious 
aspect? (vs. 8, comp. Eph. 5 : 6a.) 



ISO Out!i?re Bible Studies : ^cfaTe"" 

12. In whom, on the contrary, would the Colossians find their com- 
pleteness? (vss. 9, 10.) 



13. On what was this assurance based? (vss. 13-15.) 



14. What useless ceremonies were imposed by the false teachers? 
(vss. 16, 17.) 



15. With what did they try to supplant the worship of Christ? (vss. 
18, 19.) 



16. What foolish rules about eating and drinking did they try to enforce? 
(vss. 20-22.) 



17. How did Paul sum up the dangerous features of this heresy? (vs. 
23-) 



LESSON TEACHINGS, WITH QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 

18. What did Paul teach as to the position of Christ in the universe 
(Col. 1:15-17; Eph. 1:20-22*2)? What did Christ Himself say about 
this (Matt. 28: 18)? How should this encourage us as to the fulfilment 
of His purposes? What, therefore, should be our personal attitude 
toward Him ? 

19. What is Christ's relation to the church (Col. 1 : 18 ; Eph. 1 : 22^) ? 
What relation, then, does the church sustain toward Him? How is He 
become " the firstborn from the dead"? How does this affect us (1 Thes. 
4: 14)? 

20. How did the false teachers at Colosse say that the human body 
should be treated (Col. 2 : 23) ? What did they say about some kinds of 
wholesome food and drink (vss. 20-22) ? Why should we take the best 
possible care of the body? What makes it sacred (1 Cor. 6: 19) ? 

TOPICS FOR SPECIAL INVESTIGATION AND THOUGHT. 

I. Paul's relation to the church in Colosse. 2. Further consideration 
of the Gnostic heresy. 3. The necessity for a true philosophy of the 



Fo^yThree. The Three Great Apostles. 151 

universe. 4. The peril of a false philosophy. 5. The nature of asceticism ; 
its mischievous error concerning the human body ; and its failure to pro- 
mote holiness. 6. The effects of monastic life upon the individual and 
upon society. 



Lesson 43. PAUL'S FINAL WORK AMONG THE 
CHURCHES. His Fourth Missionary Journey. 

Selections from 1 Timothy and Titus. Written between a.d. 64 and 68. 

Note 79. — Our information of Paul's life after the close of the narrative in the 
Acts is obtained from tradition and from the Pastoral Epistles — 1 and 2 Timothy and 
Titus. The references in these Epistles to Paul's journeyings and to the condition of 
the churches at that time are inexplicable except on the supposition that he was set at 
liberty after his two years of imprisonment described in Acts 28 : 30, 31. Such is also 
the testimony of tradition. Although his movements while at liberty cannot be traced 
with certainty, it appears that he then traveled quite extensively, visiting Macedonia, 
Western Asia, Crete, Greece, and possibly Spain. 

At Ephesus he found that heresy had gained a strong foothold. Being unable 
to stay there long enough to uproot these evil teachings, he committed this task to 
Timothy while he himself went to Macedonia. Finding himself unable to return to 
Ephesus as soon as he expected, he wrote the first Epistle to Timothy, in which he 
gave him special instruction concerning the work entrusted to him, together with many 
personal exhortations. 

In Crete Paul found that substantially the same errors had sprung up as in Ephesus. 
He therefore left Titus to do here a work similar to that entrusted to Timothy at 
Ephesus, and afterwards wrote to him also a letter of instructions and encouragement. 

The Epistles to Timothy and Titus are called Pastoral Epistles because they relate 
mainly to the pastoral work of Timothy and Titus, and to the qualifications and duties 
of church officers. 

GOLDEN TEXT : " Fight the good fight of the faith, lay hold on 
the life eternal." (1 Tiro. 6 : 12a.) 

SCRIPTURE, to be read in school or class: 1 Tim. 6:11-16. 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS. 

Monday 1 Tim. 1 : 1-11; 1 T . ,, , M . . ^ . 

Tuesday 1 Tim. 1:18-2:15.} Tlmoth y s Mlsslon in E Phesus. 

Wednesday . . 1 Tim., ch. 3. Concerning Bishops and Deacons. 

Thursday . . . i Tim. 4:6-16. Personal Exhortations to Timothy. 

Friday 1 Tim. 6 : 1-10. Concerning Slaves and False Teachers. 

Saturday Titus, ch. 1 ; 1 „,.. , ... . _ . 

Sunday Titus, ch. 2. \ Tltus s Mlsslon m Crete - 



ZJ2 Outline Bible Studies : Pr ° G g radt e 

REVIEW AND PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS. 

I. What was Paul's reason for writing to the Colossians? 2. What was 
the nature of the heresy which he opposed? 3. How did he meet it? 
4. What position does Christ hold in the created universe? 5. What 
position does He hold in the church? 6. What are the sources of our 
information concerning Paul's life after the close of Luke's narrative (Note 
79) ? 7. Why are the Epistles to Timothy and to Titus called the " Pas- 
toral Epistles"? 8. What is the title of this lesson? its Golden Text? 

THE LESSON OUTLINE, WITH WRITTEN-ANSWER QUESTIONS. 

Paul's Journeyings after his Release. Scattered References. 
Note 80. — The following questions are based on the scheme of Paul's move- 
ments subsequent to his liberation as given in Conybeare and Howson's " Life and 
Epistles of St. Paul." It attempts to combine the scattered hints in the Pastoral 
Epistles, and has at least an appearance of probability. More than this cannot be 
claimed. 

i . Where did Paul plan to go after his expected release from his first 
Roman imprisonment? (Phil. 2 : 24.) 



2. Whom did he hope to visit in Colosse? (Philemon, vs. 22; see 
Expl. Note on vs. 1, Lesson 40, and B. D., " Philemon.") 



Note 81. — In view of these expressed intentions of Paul it is not unlikely that 
immediately after his release he took the most direct route to Philippi, which was by 
the Appian Way to the point where the Adriatic Sea was crossed, and thence by the 
Egnatian Way across Macedonia. This was the great Roman military route to that 
part of the empire. From Macedonia he could easily reach Ephesus and Colosse. 

If Paul ever fulfilled his long-cherished plan of visiting Spain (Rom. 15 : 24) it was 
probably immediately after this visit to Macedonia and Ephesus. That he did so 
seems not improbable because of the statement of Clement of Rome (writing about 
A.D. 100) that Paul " had gone TO THE EXTREMITY OF THE WEST," which 
was a term often used by Roman writers to denote Spain {Conybeare and Howsori). 

3. What city and what province does he appear to have visited again 
subsequently? (1 Tim. 1:3.) 



Note 82. — It was probably during this visit to Macedonia that 1 Timothy was 
written. 

4. To what province did Paul make his first visit about this time? 
(Titus 1 : 50.) 



For L ty-tTrce. The Three Great Apostles. 153 

Note 83. — During this period of liberty Paul appears to have been greatly bur* 
dened with the care of the churches, and to have hurried to and fro among them, 
vainly endeavoring by his watchfulness to save them from the rising tide of false 
doctrine. It is impossible to trace his journeys in detail, but he appears to have been 
in both Ephesus and Macedonia two or three times. 

5. What three cities did he probably visit not long before his re-arrest? 
(2 Tim. 4: 13, 20.) 



6. Where did he plan to spend the winter? (Titus 3 : 12.) 



Note 84. — It was probably during this winter, at Nicopolis on the west coast of 
Greece, that Paul was again arrested and sent back to Rome (see B. D., " Nicopolis "). 

Paul's Charge to Timothy. Selections from 1 Timothy. 
7. Why did Paul write the first Epistle to Timothy? (1 Tim. 3 : 14, 15 ; 
see Note 79.) 



8. Why did Paul leave Timothy in Ephesus? (1 : 3, 4.) 

9. What did he charge him concerning his personal conduct and work? 
4: 12-16. 

6: 11-14. 

6: 20. 

id. What did he say about the office of " bishop"? (3:1.) 

1 1 . What qualifications were required for this office? (3 : 2-7.) 



154 Outline Bible Studies : Pr %Z?J ve 



Grade. 



12. What qualifications were required for the office of deacon? (-x : 8~ 
to, 12, 13.) U 



13. What office is probably referred to in 3 : 11 ? (Comp. Rom. 16: 1.) 



Paul's Charge to Titus. Selections from Titus. 
14. Why was Titus left in Crete? (Titus 1:5.) 



15. What instructions did Paul give him about bishops? (1 : 7-9.) 



16. What personal admonitions did Titus receive? 
2: 1. 

2 : 7, 8. 

3:9- 

LESSON TEACHINGS, WITH QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 

17. What do Paul's instructions to Timothy and Titus suggest as to 
the condition of the churches referred to ? What, as to the disappoint- 
ments and trials that came to Paul in his old age? What do these 
Epistles indicate as to the spirit with which Paul met these troubles ? 

18. Who were the leading officers in the local New Testament churches 
(1 Tim. 3:1, 8; see Expl. Notes in App. t comp. Phil. 1:1)? What 
was the meaning of the term " bishop" (see Acts 20 : 28, A. V., or R. V. 
margin)? What other names were applied to this office (Acts 20:17; 
Eph. 4:11)? What were the duties of these officers? What are these 
officers now called ? 

19. What important qualification was required of bishops, or elders, but 
not of deacons (1 Tim. 3 : 2, last specification) ? What were the leading 
qualifications of deacons (vs. 8) ? How did the office of deacon originate 
in the church (Acts 6 : 1-6) ? What justifies the conclusion that an order 
of deaconesses also existed (see Expl. Note on 1 Tim. 3 : 11) ? 



Forty-folr. The Three Great Apostles. ijj 

20. How is the church described in this lesson (i Tim. 3:15)? What 
is here implied as to its origin? What, as to its character and stability? 
How should such an institution be regarded? 

TOPICS FOR SPECIAL, INVESTIGATION AND THOUGHT. 

I. Paul's possible movements after his release. 2. Nature of the here- 
sies found at Ephesus and Crete. 3. The church organization implied 
in the Pastoral Epistles. 4. The position of widows among the early 
Christians (1 Tim. 5:3-16). 5. The character of the Cretans as de- 
scribed in Titus 1 : 10-16. 6. The character of Paul's work during this 
period. 



Lesson 44. PAUL'S REVIEW OF HIS LIFE. His 

Gratitude for having been Called into Christ's 
Service. 

Selections from Philippians, Ephesians and 1 Timothy. 

Note 85. — As we approach the end of our study of Paul's life it will be helpful to 
notice the Apostle's own estimate of his work, and some personal characteristics as 
revealed in his writings. The material for this is found in the Epistles written during 
the latter part of his life, especially in Philippians, Ephesians and 1 Timothy. 

In these Epistles Paul speaks of his profound gratitude for having been laid hold of 
by Christ and called into His service. From the moment when his eyes beheld the 
risen and living Lord all worldly prospects lost their charm ; he counted them as 
valueless in comparison with the honor of knowing Him and of sharing His sufferings 
for the salvation of men. Deep humility, unfailing patience, extraordinary self-sacri- 
fice, and unwearied devotion marked thenceforward his heroic ministry for Christ. 
He had learned the secret of contentment, and the Source of strength. Being able to 
do all things through Christ, Christ was able to do all things through him. Therefore 
the influence of Paul as the organizer of Christianity was next to that of Christ 
Himself. 

GOLDEN TEXT : " I can do all things in him that strengtheneth 
me." (Phil. 4 : 13.) 

SCRIPTURE, to be read in school or class : Phil. 3:7-16. 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS. 

Monday Phil. 3 : 5-16. Paul's Supreme Aim in Life. 

Tuesday Phil. 4 : 10-20. The Secret of Paul's Contentment. 

Wednesday Eph. 3 : 1-13. Paul's Mission to the Gentiles. 

THURSDAY Eph. 4 : 1-16. Paul's Plea for Christian Unity. 

FRIDAY ... Eph. 5 : 1-14. Exhortations to Christian Living. 

Saturday Eph. 6 : 10-20. The Christian's Armor Described. 

Sunday. I l ^ m# r : I2_I 7' I Paul's Gratitude for his Call to Christ's 
(1 Tim. 2 : 5-7. / Service. 



Ij6 Outline Bible Studies : Pr °Grad/ ve 

REVIEW AND PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS. 

I. Why must we believe that Paul was released from his first Roman 
imprisonment? 2. What places did he probably visit after leaving 
Rome? 3. Where was he probably re-arrested and sent back to Rome? 
4. What state of things did he find in Ephesus? 5. Whom did he leave 
there to correct these errors? 6. Why did Paul write the first Epistle to 
Timothy? 7. On what subjects did he give Timothy special directions? 
8. What personal admonitions did he give him? 9. State the occasion 
and purpose of the Epistle to Titus. 10. What is the title of this lesson? 
its Golden Text? 

THE LESSON OUTLINE, WITH WRITTEN-ANSWER QUESTIONS. 

Paul's Gratitude for his Call to Christ's Service. 1 Tim. i: 12-17; 

Eph. 3:8-13. 
1. How did Paul regard his call into the service of Christ? (1 Tim. 
I : 12.) 



2. Why had he obtained mercy notwithstanding his hostility to Christ? 
(1 Tim. 1: 13, 14.) 



3. What current saying did he quote with personal approval? (1 Tim. 
1 : i$a ; memorize.) 



4. What did this prompt him to declare concerning himself ? (1 Tim 



5. What had been shown forth in him, and why? (1 Tim. 1 : 16.) 

6. How did Paul reveal his humility? (Eph. 3 :8#.) 



7. For what purpose had Christ called him? (Eph. 3 : 8£, comp. I 
Tim. 2:7.) 



8. What was he sent to reveal to men? (Eph. 3 : 9-1 1.) 



Lesson 



For7y7o l ur. The Three Great Apostles. 157 

Paul's Supreme Aim in Life. Phil. 3:5-14. 
g. What great worldly privileges had Paul enjoyed? (Phil. 3 : 5, 6.) 



10. How did he regard them in comparison with knowing Christ? 
(vss. 7, 8.) 



11. What was Paul's chief aim in life? (vss. 10, II.) 

12. How did he strive to attain it? (vss. 12-14.) 



The Secret of Paul's Contentment. Phil. 2 : 14-18; 4:;u-i3. 
13. Why did he wish the Philippians to live worthy Christian lives? 
(Phil. 2: 14-16.) 



14. What were his feelings in view of possible martyrdom? (2: 17.) 

15. What difficult lesson of life had he learned? (4:11.) 

16. How was he affected by the vicissitudes of life? (4: 12.) 

17. What was the secret of his contentment? (4: 13, Golden Text.) 



LESSON TEACHINGS, WITH QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 

18. What was PauPs most marked characteristic as seen in this lesson? 
How was his humility shown? his self-sacrifice? his devotion to Christ? 

19. What great Christian truth is stated in the " faithful saying" quoted 
by Paul (1 Tim. 1 : 15)? How does this truth show that Christ came to 
help all men? How does this salvation become available for us? 

20. What did Paul mean by calling himself the "chief" of sinners? 
What, probably, was his real sinfulness as compared with that of those 
who knowingly reject Christ? What is man's greatest sin? 



ij8 Outline Bible Studies : Pr %r2l? t 

21. What was Paul's chief purpose in life (Phil. 3: 8-1 1)? What did 
he mean by gaining Christ? What had he renounced for Christ's sake? 
What does Christ call on us to renounce that we may win Him? How 
urgently should we seek this end (vss. 12-14) ? 

TOPICS FOR SPECIAL INVESTIGATION AND THOUGHT. 

i. Paul's use of the term "mystery." 2. The interpretation of Phil. 
2: 17. 3. The meaning of the expression, "the power of his resurrec- 
tion" (Phil. 3: 10). 4. The implied Christian doctrines contained in the 
"faithful saying" in 1 Tim. 1 : 15. 5. The "faithful sayings " quoted by 
Paul. 



Lesson 45. PAUL'S LAST WORDS. His Second 
Roman Imprisonment, and Impending Martyrdom. 

Selections from 2 Timothy. Written about A.D. 68. 

Note 86. — The great fire which destroyed about three quarters of Rome broke 
out July 18, A.D. 64. As Nero, the emperor, was universally believed to have kindled, 
it, the rage of the million or more homeless and desperate people burst forth against 
him. He, knowing the unpopularity of the Christians, charged them with this 
unparalleled crime, and thereby for a while turned the frenzy of the populace from 
himself. As a result large numbers of the Christians were arrested and put to death 
with frightful tortures. 

So long as the charge was confined to incendiarism the persecution was limited to 
Rome. But when this was changed to that of the Christians being enemies of society, 
the persecutions at once extended to the provinces. Naturally Paul would be one of 
the first victims. He was probably arrested at Nicopolis, and hurried to Rome. So 
great was the terror into which the persecution had thrown the few remaining Chris- 
tians, that none ventured to stand by the Apostle's side at his first hearing. 

Anticipating that some months would elapse before his second and final hearing, 
and foreseeing clearly his own fate, he despatched another letter to his beloved 
Timothy, in which he tenderly encouraged him not to lose heart at the perilous condi- 
tion into which the church, as well as Paul himself, was plunged. Most touchingly 
he refers to his own hardships, which however caused his faith and devotion to shine 
in yet stronger light. He has one wish — that Timothy might come to him once more. 
For this he pleads again and again. Whether this wish was realized we do not know. 
Certain it is that this second Epistle to Timothy gives the last glimpse of Paul, 
triumphant in the assurance that Christ is with him in life and in death. 

GOLDEN TEXT : " I have fought the good fight, I have finished 
the course, I have kept the faith : henceforth there is laid up for me 
the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall 
give to me at that day." (2 Tim. 4: 7, 8a.) 

SCRIPTURE, to be read in school or class : 2 Tim. 3 : 14—4 : 8. 



F^y-five. The Three Great Apostles. ijq 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS. 

^V:::::::*t&.' 2 m-;3.} E>ho rt atio n sto Tim oth y . 

Wednesday 2 Tim. 2 : 14-26. Warnings against Heresy. 

Thursday 2 Tim. 3 : 1— 13. Description of the " last days." 

Friday 2 Tim. 3 : 14 — 4 : 8. Last Exhortations. 

Saturday 2 Tim. 4 : 9-22. Parting Messages. 

Sunday - . . Psalm 40. Steadfastness in Doing God's Will. 

REVIEW AND PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS. 

I. Why did Paul write the first Epistle to Timothy? the Epistle to 
Titus? 2. How did he regard his call into the service of Christ? 3. 
What worldly advantages had he renounced in view of this service? 4. 
What was Paul's supreme aim in life? 5. How did he strive to attain it? 
6. What occasioned the first great persecution of the Christians in the 
Roman Empire (see Note 86)? 7. How did this affect Paul? 8. Why 
did he write the second Epistle to Timothy? 9. What is the title of this 
lesson? its Golden Text? 

THE LESSON OUTLINE, WITH WRITTEN-ANSWER QUESTIONS. 

Paul's Second Roman Imprisonment. Scattered References in 2 Timothy- 
I. Where was Paul when he wrote the second Epistle to Timothy? 
(2 Tim. 1 : 16, 17.) 



2. What was his condition ? (1:8, 12a ; 2:3, 9.) 

3. What increased the hardship of his situation? (1:15; 4: 10.) 

4. Who alone of his friends were faithful to him? (1 : 16-18; 4: 11a.) 

5. How did he describe his first hearing and its result? (4: 16, 17.) 

6. In view of this result what did he do? (1 : 1, 2 ; see Note 86.) 



i6o Outline Bible Studies : Pr t£2!> iv ' 



y. What urgent requests did he make of Timothy? 
4:9, 21a. 

4: u£. 

4: 13- 

8. Against whom did he particularly warn him? (4: 14, 15.) 



9. What did Paul anticipate in respect to his second hearing? (4; 
6, 18.) 



Paul's Final Words to Timothy. Scattered References from 2 Timothy. 
10. For what did Paul thank God? (2 Tim. 1 : 3-5.) 



11. Of what did he warn Timothy? 
2:16-18. 



2: 22. 
2: 23. 

12. What final charges did he give Timothy? 
2:1,2. 

2:14, 15. 
3: H, IS- 



Fort S y% t . The Three Great Apostles. 161 

4:1. 2, 5- 

13. What did he say to him about the Scriptures? (3 : 16.) 

14. Why was Paul so earnest in these admonitions? 
2: 11-13. 

3:1-8. 
4:3»4. 

15. In what sublime words did Paul sum up his past life? (4:7.) 

16. What was his joyful assurance for the future? (4 : 8.) 



LESSON TEACHINGS, WITH QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 

17. What are your impressions of Paul as gathered from this study of 
his life? What were his leading characteristics? In what did he find his 
greatest joy? What was the most valuable part of his work? 

18. How was Paul affected by the prospect of a speedy death (2 Tim. 
4:6-8)? What made him so full of courage? How can we always be 
ready for our departure? What does a Christian's " departure " signify ? 

19. What blessed assurance sustained and comforted Paul as he looked 
forward into the next world (2 Tim. 4:8)? What did he mean by a 
" crown of righteousness "? How can we obtain a similar crown? 

20. Whose presence comforted Paul in his deepest loneliness (2 Tim. 
4: 16, 17)? What promise did Christ give just before His ascension 
(Mt. 28 : 20) ? To whom is this promise now available? 

TOPICS FOR SPECIAL INVESTIGATION AND THOUGHT. 

I. The character of Nero. 2. The burning of Rome and resulting 
persecution of Christians. 3. The probable date of Paul's martyrdom. 
4. The character of Timothy as revealed in 2 Timothy. 5. The heresies 
appearing in the church which Paul attacked in the Pastoral Epistles. 6. 
The character and work of Paul. 



162 Outline Bible Studies : Pr °Grade. 

PART V. 

PETER AND JOHN IN THE LATTER HALF OF THE APOSTOLIC AGE. 

Time. — From the Death of Paul to the Death of John. Part V of The History of the Apos- 
tolic Church, a.d. 66-100 (see Note 3, Abstract of Lessons, in Introduction). 

Note 87.— Characteristics of Part V. Parts I and II of these lessons 
were occupied almost wholly with the labors of Peter and John. With the beginning 
of Paul's missionary career the other Apostles almost entirely disappear from the 
Scripture narrative; and Parts III and IV have therefore been given exclusively to 
the life and work of the great Apostle to the Gentiles. In Part V we return again to 
the study of Peter and John, taking up such portions of their writings (except the 
Gospel of John) as throw most light on their later views and experiences. This Part 
therefore is an indirect study of the lives of these Apostles through a study of their 
messages to the churches which they served so long and faithfully. 



Lesson 46. PETER'S CONSOLATION FOR THOSE 

IN TRIAL. A Living Hope and a Heavenly 

Inheritance. 

I Peter, ch. i. Date uncertain. 

Note 88. — All that is known with certainty concerning Peter after his miracu- 
lous release from Herod's prison (Acts, ch. 12) is that he was present at the council 
in Jerusalem (Acts 15 : 7) , that he was there recognized as an Apostle to the Jews 
(Gal. 2:8), and that a little later he was with Paul in Antioch (Gal. 2: 11). From 
1 Cor. 1 : 12 it has been inferred that he visited Corinth shortly after the close of Paul's 
first ministry there, and from 1 Cor. 9 : 5, that he was accompanied by his wife on his 
missionary journeys. From the fact that his first Epistle is addressed to Jewish be- 
lievers in several provinces of Asia Minor it has also been inferred that his missionary 
work was largely devoted to the Jews outside of Palestine. Judging from Paul's 
silence concerning him in his letters from Rome, it seems unlikely that he reached that 
city until after Paul's death. On the other hand an ancient arid fairly trustworthy tra- 
dition reports that he suffered martyrdom there about the same time as Paul. 

That 1 Peter was written by the Apostle whose name it bears has been almost uni- 
versally conceded from the earliest times. Whether it was addressed to any particular 
class of readers, or to Christians in general, is not clear. It betrays acquaintance with 
the Epistle to the Romans (repeating almost every thought in chs. 12, 13 of the latter), 
and with that to the Ephesians (comp. 1 Pet. 1 : 14 with Eph. 2:3; 1 Pet. 2 : 4, 5 with 
Eph. 2 : 20-22 ; 1 Pet. 2 : 18 with Eph. 6 : 5, etc.), and could not, therefore, have been 
written earlier than A.D. 58, and, if we may trust the tradition that Peter suffered mar. 
tyrdom under Nero about the same time as Paul, it could not have been written later 
than A.D. 68, in which year Nero died. Whether it was written from Babylon on the 
Euphrates (1 Pet. 5 : 13), or from Rome, for which " Babylon" is supposed by some to 
be a mystical name, is uncertain. Its principal aim was to strengthen those who, sub. 
jected to calumny or terrified by persecution, probably that under Nero (A.D. 64~68) | 
might be led to deny their Christian faith (see Note 89). 



Forty™*. The Three Great Apostles. 163 

GOLDEN TEXT : " Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord 
Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy begat us again unto a 
living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." (1 Pet. 
i:30 

SCRIPTURE, to be read in school or class : 1 Pet. 1 : 13-25- 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS. 

Monday 1 Pet. 1 : 1-12. The Christian's Living Hope. 

Tuesday 1 Pet. 1 : 13-25. Peter's Exhortations to Holiness. 

WEDNESDAY Lev. 19 : 1-18. An Old Testament Call to Holiness. 

Thursday Jo. 1 : 29-42. The Lamb without Blemish. 

P'riday Jo. 3 : 1-10. Begotten again by the Spirit. 

Saturday Is. 40 : 1-1 1. Peter's Quotation from Isaiah. 

Sunday Psalm 72. A Prophecy of the Messiah. 

REVIEW AND PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS. 

I. State how Paul came to be imprisoned in Rome a second time. 2. 
How did this imprisonment differ from the first Roman imprisonment? 
3. What occurred at Paul's first hearing? 4. Why did Paul write the 
second Epistle to Timothy? 5. What did he urge Timothy to do? 6. 
Against what did he warn Timothy? 7. In what sublime words did Paul 
review his life? 8. What is the title of this lesson? its Golden Text? 

THE LESSON OUTLINE, WITH WRITTEN- ANSWER QUESTIONS. 

Peter's Life after his Escape from Prison. Scattered References. 
1. What was Peter's share in the council at Jerusalem? (Acts 15: 
7-1 1 ; see Lesson 17.) 



2. What was the sphere of his apostolic labors? (Gal. 2 : 8.) 



3. Relate the circumstances attending Peter's visit to Antioch. (Gal. 
2 : 11-16; Lesson 17.) 



4. What may we infer concerning him from Paul's Epistles? 
1 Cor. 1 : 12. 



I Cor. 9: 5. 



T64 Outline Bible Studies : ^ST* 

5. To whom did Peter write his first Epistle? (1 Pet. 1: 1, 2; see 
Expl. Note in A pp.} 



6. Why did he write it? (1 Pet. 5 : 12; see Note 88.) 



7. From what place was it written? (1 Pet. 5: 13; see Note 88, and 
Expl. Note in App.) 



The Christian's Living Hope. I Pet. 1 : 3-9. 
8. In opening his subject for what does Peter bless God? (1 Pet. 1 : 3.) 



9. What is included in the "living hope" of the Christian? (vs. 4.) 



10. How is the realization of this hope made sure? (vs. 5.) 



,ii. How does the possession of this hope affect those who are perse- 
cuted? (vss. 6, 7.) 



12. How did it affect those who, unlike Peter, had not seen Christ? 
(vss. 8, 9.) 



Peter's Exhortations to Holiness. 1 Pet. 1 : 13-25. 
13. What four characteristics of the Christi?n life did Peter urge his 
readers to cultivate ? 

I Pet. 1 : 13. 



1 Pet. 1 : 14. 



F^rty°-six. The Three Great Apostles. l6j 

I Pet. I : 15, 16. 

1 Pet. 1 : 17. 

14. What special reason for doing this is given? (vss. 18-21.) 

15. How should they regard one another? (vs. 22.) 

16. Why ought they to do this? (vss. 23-25.) 



LESSON TEACHINGS, WITH QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 

17. What did Peter mean by a "living hope 1 '? How is this hope re- 
lated to Christ's resurrection ? How may we know whether our hope of 
heaven is living or dead? 

18. On what is the Christian's hope fixed (1 Pet. 1:4)? What is the 
nature of that inheritance? How may we be assured that no one can 
deprive us of it ? 

19. Why should holiness characterize those who hope for the heavenly 
inheritance? In our striving for holiness, who is our Pattern? Can any 
one attain perfect sinlessness in this life (1 Jo. 1 : 8) ? 

20. Why does Peter tell those who call on God as Father to pass their 
earthly life in fear (1 Pet. 1 : 17)? How can a child of God love Him 
and fear Him at the same time? 

21. By whom and how are we redeemed (1 Pet. 1 : 18, 19)? What 
obligation is thus laid upon us ? 

TOPICS FOR SPECIAL INVESTIGATION AND THOUGHT. 

i. Peter's probable work among the Jews of the Dispersion. 2. The 
meaning of the term " Babylon" as used in r Pet. 5 : 13. 3. The tradi- 
tion of Peter's life and death in Rome. 4. The first Epistle of Peter; 
where and to whom written. 5. The doctrine of redemption through 
Christ's blood as taught by Peter. 



i66 Outline Bible Studies : Pr ° G g ralf ve 

Lesson 47. PETER'S EXHORTATIONS TO PATIENT 

ENDURANCE. The Suffering Christ the 

Christian's Pattern. 

I Pet. 2: 18—4: 19. 

Note 89. — The Neronian persecution, as already indicated (Note 86, and Expl. 
Note on 2 Tim. 2 : 9, Lesson 45), exhibited two stages : (1) That based on the charge 
of incendiarism, which was limited to the city of Rome ; and (2) that based on the 
charge of hostility to society, which extended to the provinces as well. Because the 
Christians refused to participate in the abominable vices of their heathen neighbors 
the latter thought it strange (1 Pet. 4: 3, 4), and concluded that they must be guilty of 
other crimes in secret (2: 12). The divisions introduced by Christianity into families 
(Lu. 12 : 49-53), for example, were supposed to be due to the evil arts of magic, and it 
has been pointed out that the punishments with which Nero put the Christians to death, 
crucifixion and exposure to the wild beasts, were precisely those prescribed by the 
Roman law against sorcerers and magicians. 

For the purpose of strengthening the faith of those who were exposed to these cal- 
umnies and persecutions, Peter wrote his first Epistle. Having a good conscience, 
they should so carry themselves as to put to shame those who slandered their good 
manner of life in Christ. If it was the will of God that they should also be persecuted 
for their good works it was better to " suffer for well-doing than for evil-doing," such 
as was charged upon them (1 Pet. 3 : 16, 17). It was a blessing and a joy to be thus 
made partakers of Christ's sufferings. In any event they should exercise patience, for 
the end of all things was at hand, when Christ would appear for their deliverance. 

GOLDEN TEXT : " If ye are reproached for the name of Christ, 
blessed are ye ; because the Spirit of glory and the Spirit of God resteth 
upon you." (1 Pet. 4 : 14.) 

SCRIPTURE, to be read in school or class : 1 Pet. 4 : 12-19. 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS. 

Monday 1 Pet. 2 : 1-10. The Corner-stone of the Christian Life. 

Tuesday 1 Pet. 2: 11-25; \ Exhortations to Christian Subjects, 

Wednesday ....i Pet. 3: 1-12. J Slaves, Wives, and Husbands. 

Thursday .1 Pet. 3 : 13 — 4 : 6. Patience in View of Calumny. 

Friday 1 Pet. 4 : 7-19. Patience in View of Fiery Trials. 

Saturday 1 Pet., ch. 5. Exhortations to Various Classes. 

Sunday Heb. 12 : 1— 13. The Reason for Afflictions. 

REVIEW AND PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS. 

I. What is known of Peter's life after his miraculous release from 
Herod's prison? 2. To whom did he write his first Epistle? 3. Unto 
what does he say that Christians are begotten through Christ's resurrec- 
tion? 4. What is the object of the Christian's hope? 5. What is the 
advantage of such a hope in times of trial? 6. What kind of life does it 
promote? 7. Describe the persecution which was in progress when Peter's 



FoZyZltn. The Three Great Apostles. 167 

first Epistle is supposed to have been written (Note 89). 8. What was 
probably the relation of the Epistle to this persecution? 9. What is the 
title of this lesson? its Golden Text? 

THE LESSON OUTLINE, WITH WRITTEN-ANSWER QUESTIONS. 

Suffering for Conscience' Sake. 1 Pet. 2: 18-25. 
1. What did Peter say about suffering for conscience' sake? (1 Pet. 
2: 19, 20.) 



2. What is the great example of patience under suffering? (vss. 21-23.) 

3. What was the object of Christ's sufferings? (vss. 24, 25.) 



Patience in View of Calumny. 1 Pet. 3: 13 — 4:6. 
4. How should Christians bear reproach and calumny? (1 Pet. 3: 14- 
17; Note 89.) 



5. How is the blessedness of such suffering illustrated? (3: 18, 22.) 



6. What effect should this suffering of Christ have on Christians? 
(4:1,2.) 



7. How had the purity of the Christians 1 life impressed their heathen 
neighbors? (4: 3, 4; Note 89.) 



8. What consideration, however, should control the Christian? (4: 5.) 



Patience in View of Fiery Trials. 1 Pet. 4: 7-19. 
9. To what did Peter next exhort his readers, and why? (1 Pet. 4:7.) 



10. How should they treat their brethren? (vss. 8-10.) 



l68 Outline Bible Studies : Pro ri r „7J ve 



Grade. 



ii. How should they conduct themselves in their Christian assemblies? 
(vs. II.) 



12. How were they to regard their " fiery trials 11 ? (vss. 12, 13.) 

13. In what kind of suffering, then, might they glory? (vss. 14-16.) 

14. Why should they always so live as to glorify God? (vss. 17, 18.) 

15. What great privilege have all who suffer for Chrisfs sake? (vs. 19.) 

LESSON TEACHINGS, WITH QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 

16. Why is suffering for conscience 1 sake to be endured patiently 
(1 Pet. 2: 19-24)? To whom was Peter especially speaking in this pas- 
sage (vs. 18) ? How may we suffer for conscience 1 sake? 

17. What did Peter say about suffering calumny for righteousness 1 sake 
(1 Pet. 3: 14)? What did Christ say (Mt. 5 : 10-12)? What calumnies 
are spoken against Christians now ? Why are they so hard to bear ? 

18. What did Peter urge in view of the patient sufferings of Christ 
(1 Pet. 4:1)? What other motive for patience did he present (vs. 5)? 
Why should the Christian not only endure persecution but even rejoice in 
it (vs. 13)? 

19. What was " the end of all things " which Peter spoke of as being 
then " at hand " (1 Pet. 4:7)? In what sense is ' ' the end of all things " 
at hand for each person individually? In view of this fact how should we 
conduct ourselves from day to day (vs. 19) ? 

TOPICS FOR SPECIAL INVESTIGATION AND THOUGHT. 

I. Analysis and contents of the first Epistle of Peter. 2. Passages in 1 
Peter which indicate the writers personal companionship with Christ. 
3. Passages which indicate acquaintance with Chrisfs teachings. 4. Pas- 
sages which indicate acquaintance with the Epistle of James. 5. Passages 
which indicate acquaintance with the Pauline Epistles. 6. The interpre- 
tation of 1 Pet. 3 : 18-22 54:6. 



Forty S -°'ight. The Three Great Apostles. i6g 

Lesson 48. PETER'S LAST WORDS. Growing in 
Grace and Knowledge. 

2 Pet., chs. i, 3. Date uncertain. 

Note 90. — The second Epistle of Peter was addressed to the same persons as the 
first (2 Pet. 3:1). If the first was written in view of the Neronian persecution which 
began A. I). 64 (Note 89, Lesson 47), and if Peter, as commonly supposed, suffered 
martyrdom in or before A.I). 68, the interval between them was not long. Nevertheless 
they differ remarkably in thought and style. The situation of the readers is also 
changed. In 1 Peter they are comforted in view of persecution ; in 2 Peter they are 
warned against heresy. 1 Peter and the Epistle of Jude, on which 2 Peter seems 
dependent for much of its material, are among the earliest quoted New Testament 
documents ; but of 2 Peter no mention occurs until nearly two hundred years after 
Peter's death, and then its authorship is disputed. The strongest evidence for its 
genuineness is the fact that its explicit claim to have been written by the Apostle Peter 
is supported by a moral tone too high to have been assumed by a personator. It 
stands far above the level of Christian writers in post-apostolic times. The place of 
writing is not indicated. 

The first Epistle emphasizes the believer's hope, the second his knowledge. This 
follows from the fact that the main purpose of the latter is to warn against false teach- 
ers. To this end the writer, knowing that his martyrdom is at hand, is eager to put 
his readers " in remembrance " of the Christian truths which they have already learned, 
lest they be swept away from the faith, and thus fail in making their calling and elec- 
tion sure. 

GOLDEN TEXT: "Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord 
and Saviour Jesus Christ." (2 Pet. 3: \2>a.) 

SCRIPTURE, to be read in school or class : 2 Pet. 1 : 12-21. 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS. 

Monday 2 Pet. I : 1-1 1. Increasing One's Spiritual Life. 

TUESDAY 2 Pet. 1 : 12-21. The Power and Coming of Christ. 

Wednesday 2 Pet. 2:1-11; ) ^ . „ , „ ... 

Thursday 2 Pet. 2 : 12-22. } False Teachers Described. 

FRIDAY 2 Pet., ch. 3. Looking for Christ's Coming. 

Saturday Jude, vss. i-ii; \ , . . - , .>, . _ , 

Sunday Jude, vss. 12-25. J J sDescn P tlonof the *alse Teachers. 

REVIEW AND PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS. 

i. What is known of Peter after his deliverance from the power of 
Herod? 2. To whom did he write his first Epistle? 3. What was their 
situation at the time? 4. What did he say to them about suffering for 
conscience 1 sake? 5. What counsels did he give them in view of 
calumny? 6. What, in view of fiery trials? 7. To whom did he write 
his second Epistle (Note 90) ? 8. How does it differ from the first? 9. 
What was his object in writing it? io. What is the title of this lesson? 
its Golden Text? 



j yo Outline Bible Studies : Pr0 G g rldT 

THE LESSON OUTLINE, WITH WKITTEN-ANSWER QUESTIONS. 

Growth in Grace and Knowledge. 2 Pet., ch. 1. 
1. In view of God's promises, what did Peter urge Christians to do? 
(2 Pet. 1 : 5-7.) 



2. Why is such growth in Christian character necessary? (vss. 8, 9.) 



3. Why should Christians thus make their calling and election sure? 
(vss. 10, 11.) 



4. What does Peter intimate, therefore, as to his purpose in writing this 
Epistle? (vss. 12, 13, comp. 3: 1, 2.) 



5. Why was he anxious to write it at this particular time? (vss. 
14, ISO 



6. What important fact was he especially desirous that they should 
remember? (vs. i&z.) 



7. How did he personally certify to the power and glory of Christ? 

(vss. 160-18.) 



8. What other foundation for Christian faith was made still more sure 
by this apostolic testimony? (vss. 19-21.) 



Looking for Christ's Coming. 2 Pet., ch. 3. 
9. What did Peter especially enjoin upon his readers? (2 Pet. 3 : 1,2.) 



10. What was one of the perils to which the Christians were then 
exposed? (vss. 3, 4.) 



FortPlnL The Three Great Apostles. 171 

1 1 . What three arguments did Peter employ against those who mocked 
at the coming again of Christ? 

vss. 5-7. 
vs. 8. 



vs. 9. 



In what prophetic imagery did Peter describe this coming? (vs. 10.) 



3. In view of it how ought Christians to live? (vss. 11-13.) 



14. What shows that Peter expected this consummation within the life- 
time of his readers? (vs. 14.) 



15. How did he sum up the exhortations of his Epistle? (vss. 17, 18.) 



LESSON TEACHINGS, WITH OUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 

16. What Christian graces did Peter urge his readers to cultivate (2 Pet. 
1 : 5-7) ? Which is the greatest of these? Why is it necessary to culti- 
vate these in order to attain a living knowledge of Christian truth ? 

17. To what did Peter attribute the power of the Old Testament proph- 
ets (2 Pet. 1 : 21)? In what sense is the Bible the word of God? How 
can we know that He speaks in it? 

18. What did Peter say about the writings of Paul (2 Pet. 3: 15, 16)? 
What does this imply as to the way in which they were regarded when 
Peter wrote? How have they come to be regarded since then? 

19. How did Peter describe "the day of the Lord" (2 Pet. 3: 10)? 
What other language of Scripture suggests similar views (1 Cor. 3: 13, 
14: Rev. 20: 11 ; 21 : 1)? Is this language to be understood literally or 
figuratively? 

20. From this study of Peter's Epistles (Lessons 46-48) what do you 
infer as to his characteristics in his old age? About what was he most 
solicitous? How does he compare with the Peter of the Gospels? Why 
is he ranked as one of the Great Apostles? 



172 Outline Bible Studies : Pr °(?™df ve 

TOPICS FOR SPECIAL INVESTIGATION AND THOUGHT. 

I. The Epistle of Jude ; author, date and purpose. 2. A comparison 
of Jude and 2 Peter. 3. The second Epistle of Peter; authenticity and 
purpose. 4. Prophetic inspiration as denned by Peter. 5. The false 
teachers described in 2 Pet., ch. 2, and in Jude. 6. The final destruction 
of the world by fire. 



Lesson 49. JOHN'S VISION OF HEAVEN. The 
Throne, and the Innumerable Multitude. 

Rev. 4 : 1 — 5 : 14; 7 : 9-17. Probably written about A.d. 68. 

Note 91. — In the Scripture narrative there is no direct mention of the Apostle 
John subsequent to the council at Jerusalem (Gal. 2:9). But that he was the John 
(Rev. 1 : 4) who wrote the book of Revelation, as well as the Gospel and the Epistles 
bearing his name, has been generally held from the earliest times. The revelation 
contained in the book was given while the seer was in banishment on the island of 
Patmos (1:9), but whether it was recorded there or not is uncertain. Patmos was 
only about fifty miles distant from Ephesus. The facts that Ephesus was the traditional 
site of John's later apostolic labors, and that the opening messages of the book (chs. 
2, 3) are addressed to the churches in and around that city, strengthen the identifica- 
tion of the writer with the Apostle. Internal evidence points to the date of writing as 
shortly before the destruction of Jerusalem. 

Judged by the number of contradictory interpretations of this book it is an insoluble 
enigma. A hopeful basis of interpretation has been gained, however, by adopting a 
sober historical method. From this point of view the book may be understood as 
containing a series of visions relating primarily to the seer's own age, and designed to 
comfort believers with assurances of divine help ; but also typical of the church's trials 
and victories till the end of time. Its object was " to teach the church how to prepare 
for the Lord's coming to Judgement," which was expected soon to occur. 

The entire book may be divided into three portions, the introduction, including the 
messages to the seven churches (chs. 1-3), the revelation proper (4 : 1 — 22 : 5), and the 
conclusion (22 : 6-21). Our lesson embraces the opening vision in the main part of the 
book (chs. 4, 5), and a portion of the first vision in the series that follows (7:9-17). 
These passages clearly typify the glory of God as revealed in creation, and the glory of 
Christ as revealed in his redemptive work on earth and in the multitude of the saved 
in heaven. 

GOLDEN TEXT : " God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes." 
(Rev. 7 : 17^.) 

SCRIPTURE, to be read in school or class : Rev. 7 : 9-17. 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS. 

Monday Rev., ch. I. A Vision of the Glorified Christ. 

Tuesday Rev., ch. 2; \ Christ's Messages to the Seven 

Wednesday .,,,,.,##. Rev., ch. 3. / Churches in Asia. 



Forty-nhie. The Three Great Apostles. 173 

Thursday ..Rev., ch. 4. A Vision of the Heavenly Throne. 

Friday Rev., ch. 5. The Lamb and the Seven-sealed Book. 

Saturday Rev., ch. 6. The Opening of the First Six Seals. 

SUNDAY Rev., ch. 7. The Multitude of the Redeemed. 

REVIEW AND PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS. 

i. In what respects does the second Epistle of Peter differ from the 
first? 2. What virtues did the Apostle urge his readers to cultivate ? 3. 
What did he especially wish them to remember? 4. What testimony did 
he bear to the power and glory of Christ? 5. Against whom did he warn 
his readers? 6. What did he say of the coming again of Christ? 7. 
What, in general, can be said about the authorship and date of the book 
of Revelation (Note 91)? 8. Where was John when he saw the visions 
recorded in it? 9. What seems to have been his purpose in writing it? 
10. What is the title of this lesson? its Golden Text? 

THE LESSON OUTLINE, WITH WRITTEN-ANSWER QUESTIONS. 

The Vision of the Heavenly Throne. Rev., ch. 4. 
I. How was John invitedno his first vision of heaven? (Rev. 4: 1.) 



2. What did he first see then? (vss. 2, 3.) 



3. Whom did he see around the throne? (vs. 4.) 



4. What did he see around and before it? (vss. 5, 6.) 



5. Describe the four living creatures, (vss. 7, 8.) 



6. What followed their glorifying of Him who sat on the throne? (vss. 
9- 11 ). 



The Lamb and the Seven-sealed Book. Rev., ch. 5. 
7. What next attracted the seer's attention? (Rev. 5 : 1-3.) 



174 Outline Bible Studies : Pr G S radt' e 

8. How was he affected by the sight, and how comforted? (vss. 4, 5.) 

9. When he looked to see a Lion, what did he see? (vss. 6, 7.) 

10. What occurred when the Lamb had taken the book? (vss. 8, ga.) 



11. What was the substance of the new song, sung by the four and 
twenty elders? (vss. g&, 10.) 



12. Who then took up the adoration, and how was it expressed? (vss. 
11, 12.) • 



3. Describe the scene that followed, (vss. 13, 14.) 



The Multitude of the Redeemed. Rev. 7:9-17. 
14. What did the seer afterwards behold? (Rev. 7 : 9.) 



15. What was their ascription of praise? (vs. 10.) 



16. What was the response of the angels, the elders, and the living 
creatures? (vss. 11, 12.) 



17. Who composed this innumerable multitude? (vss. 13, 14.) 

18. What is their reward? (vss. 15-17.) 



Less °Fift y . The Three Great Apostles. 175 

LESSON TEACHINGS, WITH QUESTIONS FOB DISCUSSION. 

19. In general, what is the meaning of the visions in Rev., chs. 4-7 
(Note 91)? What is perhaps meant by the four and twenty elders? 
What, by the living creatures? What, by the book with the seven seals? 

20. Who is typified by the " Lion " that was a " Lamb 11 (Jo. 1 : 29) ? 
Why was the "Lamb" able to'open the book? Why is the " Lamb 11 
deserving of the adoration of the universe? 

21. Out of what did the innumerable multitude come (Rev. 7: 14^)? 
Why were they so gloriously rewarded? What does this vision teach us 
concerning heaven ? 

TOPICS FOR SPECIAL INVESTIGATION AND THOUGHT. 

i. The authorship and date of the book of Revelation. 2. The purpose 
of the book. 3. The condition of the churches implied in it. 4. Its 
resemblance to the book of Daniel. 



Lesson 50. JOHN'S VISION OF THE HOLY CITY. 

Its Perfection and Eternal Glory. 

Rev. 21 : 1 — 22: 5. 

Note 92. — The vision of the heavenly throne and of the sealed book which the 
Lamb was found worthy to open (Lesson 49) was introductory to the series of visions 
in the main body of the book of Revelation. The present lesson covers the closing 
vision in that series. In both of these visions the imagery is sufficiently transparent 
to enable the reader to perceive the writer's main purpose. 

The case is different with the intermediate visions, which are so obscure that 
interpreters are still debating whether the prophecies embodied in them relate to the 
events of the seer's own time, and so were long ago fulfilled ; or whether they relate to 
the whole course of the church's history between the apostolic age and the end of 
the world, and so are partly fulfilled and partly unfulfilled ; or whether they relate to 
events clustering around the coming again of Christ at the end of the world, and so 
are yet wholly unfulfilled. There is, however, a general agreement that they picture 
the progress of evil, the conflicts of the church with it, and its final overthrow. This 
final victory over evil prepares the way for the concluding vision of the New Jerusalem, 
the consummation of the church's history in the periected kingdom of God. 

GOLDEN TEXT : " He that overcometh shall inherit these things ; 
and I will be his God, and he shall be my son." (Rev. 21 : 7.) 

SCRIPTURE, to be read in school or class : Rev. 21 : 1-8. 



iy6 Outline Bible Studies : r <fradT" 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS. 

Monday Rev. 14 : 1-13. The Lamb, and the Blessed Dead. 

_ _ The " King of Kings and Lord of 

Tuesday Rev * i9:"-2i. Lords." 

Wednesday. .Rev., ch. 20. The Millennium, and the Judgment. 

Thursday . . . Rev. 21 ; 1-8. The New Universe. 

Friday Rev. 2 1 : 9-21 ; ) Description of the Holy City, the New 

Saturday Rev. 21 : 22 — 22 : 5. £ Jerusalem. 

SUNDAY Rev. 22 : 6-21. Conclusion of the Book of Revelation. 

REVIEW AND PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS. 

i. What is known of the authorship and date of the book of 
Revelation? 2. What seems to have been its purpose? 3. Describe 
briefly John's vision of the heavenly throne. 4. What may have been 
signified by the book with the seven seals? 5. Why was the Lamb found 
worthy to open it? 6. Who were the countless multitude that John 
beheld? 7. What was the general meaning of these visions? 8. What 
is the character of the visions that follow (Note 92) ? 9. What is the title 
of this lesson ? its Golden Text ? 

THE I.ESSON OUTLINE, WITH WRITTEN-ANSWER QUESTIONS. 

The New Universe. Rev. 21 : 1-8. 
1. After the universal judgment (Rev. 20: n-15), what did John see? 
(Rev. 21 : 1, 2.) 



2. How was the new order of the universe described to him ? (vss. 3-5.) 



3. Who was the Speaker that addressed him ? (vs. 6a.) 



4. What is to be the reward of the conquerors in the conflict with evil? 
(vss. 6b, 7.) 



5. What is to be the doom of moral cowards, and other ungodly 
persons? (vs. 8, comft. vs. 27.) 



Description of the New Jerusalem. Rev. 21 : 9 — 22 : 5. 
6. After the new order had been seen and described, what in particular 
was John shown? (Rev. 21:9, 10.) 



USS Fifty. Thc Three GrCat ApOStks. 177 

7. What was the general appearance of the Holy City? (21 : 11-18.) 



8. What was the appearance of its foundations, gates and street? 
(21 : 19-21.) 



9. In what important respect did it differ from the old Jerusalem, and 
why? (21 : 22.) 



[o. How was it illuminated? (21 : 23.) 



n. What relation did it sustain to the kings and nations of the new 
earth? (21 : 24-26.) 



12. How was the city watered? (22 : 1, 2a, see Expl. Note in 



13. What provision was made in it for nourishment and healing? 
(22: 2b.) 



14. What sevenfold blessings constitute the inheritance of the re- 
deemed? (22 : 3-5.) 



LESSON TEACHINGS, WITH QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 

15. In what sense may the heaven and the earth spoken of by John be 
called " new "? What is meant by the sea being " no more "? What is 
typified by the New Jerusalem? To whom are the blessings of that new 
world promised? 

16. How is the imagery descriptive of the New Jerusalem to be under- 
stood? Why are the costliest and most beautiful things of earth chosen 
as symbols? What had ancient prophecy said about the future of those 
who serve God? (Is. 64: 4, comfi. 1 Cor. 2 : 9, 10a.) 

17. What does the absence of a "temple 11 imply as to the nature of 
the worship (Jo. 4: 24)? What may be meant by the gates of the city 
being open through eternity? What does the absence of " night 11 imply? 



1/8 Outline Bible Studies : Pr °dradt' e 

18. What is the supreme blessedness of the redeemed (Rev. 22: 4a, 
comfi. Ex. 33 : 20 ; Mt. 5:8; 1 Jo. 3 : 2) ? What does this imply as to 
future intimacy with God? 

TOPICS FOR SPECIAL INVESTIGATION AND THOUGHT. 

i. The significance of the New Jerusalem being " foursquare." 2. The 
meaning of the river of the " water of life. 11 3. A comparison of this river 
with EzekiePs vision of the holy waters (Ezek. 47: 1-12). 4. Meaning 
of the "tree of life." 5. The blessedness of those in the Holy City as 
compared with the redeemed " nations " in the " new earth " outside the 
city. 



Lesson 51. JOHN'S LAST WORDS. His Testimony 
to the Person and Work of Christ. 

Selections from 1 John. Written between A.D. 80 and 100. 

Note 93. — Tradition reports that after John's release from Patmos he returned to 
Ephesus and spent the remainder of his life there. He seems to have lived nearly to 
the close of the century, and much longer than any other Apostle. 

At Ephesus he probably wrote the Gospel which bears his name. That it was written 
many years after the book of Revelation, and when he had acquired a much better 
mastery of the Greek language, must be inferred from the greater purity of style. 
Tradition affirms that it was written in his old age. That the other Gospels were 
already in circulation is implied by the way in which he supplements them, and inter- 
prets rather than narrates the life of Christ. He does not name himself as the writer, 
but internal evidence points unmistakably to its authorship by the disciple whom Jesus 
loved. 

The three short Epistles attributed to him, unlike the other New Testament Epistles, 
except Hebrews, have no name superscribed. But the language and style identify the 
writer with the author of the fourth Gospel. In the first of these, written when John 
was an old man, he presents certain truths as tests of Christian character, and warns 
his readers against a form of heresy then prevalent, which was derogatory to the 
nature of Christ. In this connection John presents his final testimony to the person 
and work of Christ. 

GOLDEN TEXT : " He that hath the Son hath the life ; he that hath 
not the Son of God hath not the life." (1 Jo. 5 : 12.) 

SCRIPTURE, to be read in school or class: 1 Jo., ch. 1. 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS. 

M° NDAY I Jo. I : 1-2 : 6; ^ introductory. Walking in the Light. 

Tuesday 1 Jo. 2:7-29. j J to *> 

Wednesday. . 1 Jo., ch. 3. Being Righteous. Loving the Brethren. 

Thursday 1 Jo., ch. 4. Testing the Spirits. Abiding in God. 

Friday 1 Jo., ch. 5. Prayer, Faith, and Knowledge. 

Saturday Jo. 1 : 1-18. The Word Made Flesh. 

Sunday Mt., ch. 3. God's Witness at the Baptism of Jesus. 



Fifty.Vne. The Three Great Apostles. 179 

REVIEW AND PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS. 

i. What is the character of the visions and prophecies in the main part 
of the book of Revelation? 2. How does John describe the new uni- 
verse? 3. What were the measurements of the Holy City, and what did 
they signify? 4. What were the materials of which the city was built, 
and what did they typify? 5. What were some of the differences between 
it and the old Jerusalem ? 6. What are some of the endless blessings 
enjoyed by the redeemed? 7. Where did John probably spend his life 
after his release from Patmos (Note 93) ? 8. What parts of the New 
Testament did he probably write there? 9. What is the title of this 
lesson? its Golden Text? 

THE LESSON OUTLINE, WITH WRITTEN-ANSWER QUESTIONS. 

The Reality of the Incarnation. 1 Jo. 1 : 1-4; 5: 6-12. 
1. How did John testify to the reality of the incarnation? (rjo. 1: 1,3a.) 



2. How was this testimony made possible? ( 1 : 2.) 



3. Why did he so emphasize the reality of the incarnation? (1 : -^b, 4.) 



4. In opposition to the antichrists, who declared that the Christ "came 
by water" 1 only, what did John affirm? (5 : 6.) 



5. Whose additional testimony to the reality of the incarnation did he 
cite? (5:7,8.) 



6. How did this sutpass the personal testimony of the Apostles? 
(5:90 



7. What unmistakable testimony to the reality of Christ's incarnation 
does every believer possess within himself? (5 : 10-12.) 



iSo Outline Bible Studies : Pr rZT™ 



Grade. 



John's Warning against Antichrists, i Jo. 2: 18-28. 
8. To what did John point as a sign that Christ's coming was at hand? 
(1 Jo. 2: 18.) 



9. How had the antichrists revealed their true character? (vs. 19.) 



10. What was the happy state of those who had remained loyal to 
Christ? (vss. 20, 21.) 



11. What did the antichrists deny concerning Jesus? (vs. 22.) 

12. What was the practical consequence of this denial? (vs. 23.) 

13. To what, on the contrary, did John exhort his readers? (vs. 24.) 



14. What had been promised as a result of abiding in the Son and in 
the Father? (vs. 25.) 



15. Why did John urge his "little children" to abide in Christ? 
(vs. 28.) 



LESSON TEACHINGS, WITH QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 

16. Why was John so positive of the truth of his testimony concerning 
Christ (1 Jo. 1: 1-3)? Where was Christ, "the life,' 1 before He was 
manifested to men in this world (Jo. 17:5)? What does John's testimony 
prove as to the reality of Christ's human nature? What, as to His divine 
nature ? 

17. What did John call those who denied the divine nature of Jesus 
(1 Jo. 2:22)? What is meant by the term antichrist? How does the 
spirit of antichrist reveal itself now? 



Ftfty'two. The Th ree Great Apostles. 181 

1 8. Why had those, against whom John warned his readers, separated 
themselves from Christians (i Jo. 2: 19)? What on the contrary is an 
unmistakable characteristic of God's children (1 Jo. 3: 10, 11)? 

19. What is meant by "abiding 11 in Christ (1 Jo. 2 : 28a, comp. Jo. 15 : 
!_7) ? Who will contemplate his coming with boldness and joy (1 Jo. 2: 
28^) ? Who will be ashamed and afraid when He appears? 

20. From the writings of John as now studied (Lessons 49-51) what do 
you infer concerning his character in his later life? How does it compare 
with what we know of him in his younger days (Mk. 3: 17; 10: 35-41 ; 
Lu. 9:49, 54)? How important are his writings to the thought and life 
of the church ? Why was he truly a " great 11 Apostle? 

TOPICS FOR SPECIAL, INVESTIGATION AND THOUGHT. 

I. Traditions concerning the later life of the Apostle John. 2. The 
evidence for the Johannine authorship of 1 John. 3. Whether 1 John 
was intended as a preparation for the fourth Gospel or a development of 
the fundamental truths of that Gospel. 4. Cerinthus and the distinctive 
features of his heresy. 5. A comparison of John's " antichrist 11 (1 Jo. 2 : 
22) with Paul's " man of sin " (2 Thes. 2 : 3-12). 



Lesson 52. REVIEW OF LESSONS 40-51. 

Note 94. — Summary of Lessons 40-51. (1) The Later Years of the Three 
Great Apostles. — The abrupt termination of the Acts leaves PAUL still imprisoned in 
Rome. After his release from this imprisonment he apparently made a fourth mission- 
ary journey, visiting Macedonia, Western Asia, Crete, Greece, and possibly Spain. 
The burning of Rome led to a severe persecution of the Christians in which Paul was 
probably re-arrested and taken to Rome, where after a severe second imprisonment 
he suffered martyrdom. 

Of the work of Peter, subsequent to his miraculous release from Herod's prison, 
the New Testament contains only a few hints. Tradition relates that his last work was 
in Rome, where he suffered martyrdom about the same time as Paul. 

Beyond John's own statement in the Revelation that he was banished to Patmosand 
received there the visions recorded in that book, nothing is known of his later work. 
There is probable truth in the tradition that he spent the last thirty years of his life in 
Ephesus, and died a natural death, about A.D. 100, after having outlived all the other 
Apostles. 

(2) The Writings of this Period. — During Paul's first Roman imprisonment he 
certainly wrote the personal letter to Philemon and the Epistle of thanksgiving and 
counsel to the Philippians. The probability is very strong that here also, rather than 
at Caesarea, he wrote the Epistles to the Colossians and to the Ephesians, in order to 
stem the rising tide of heresy concerning Christ. Of the Pastoral Epistles, 1 Timothy 
and Titus were messages of personal instruction to these beloved helpers, called out 
by the exigencies of Paul's fourth missionary journey ; while in 2 Timothy, written 
during the second Roman imprisonment, we have Paul's last inspiring words of faith 
and hope. 



182 Outline Bible Studies : /> '2GSJ W ' 

The first Epistle of Peter was apparently designed to strengthen Christians against 
the Neronian persecution (A.D. 64-68). His second Epistle was probably of a later 
date than the first, and was directed against the heresy that men could live bad lives 
and yet be Christians. 

Of the writings of John, the Revelation probably took its coloring from the approach- 
ing destruction of Jerusalem. From the meager evidence that we have it seems credible 
that he wrote the fourth Gospel at Ephesus, between A.D. 80 and 90, and his three 
Epistles between A.D. 90 and 100. The second and third of his Epistles may have 
been written before the first, though placed after it because less important. 

GOLDEN TEXTS (The Closing Words of the Three Great Apostles) : 

PAUL : " Grace be with you." (2 Tim. 4 : 22&.) 

PETER : " To him be the glory both now and for ever." (2 Pet. 3 : 18&) 

JOHN : " My little children, guard yourselves from idols." (1 Jo. 5 : 21.) 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS. 

Monday 2 Tim. 4:1-8; 1 -d v r\ • at 

Tuesday 2 Tim. 4 : 9-22. } Paul s D ? m Z Messa S es - 



Thursday 2 Pet. 3 : 10-18. } Peter s Closin § Exho 'tations. 

1 Jo. 4: 7-21; \ 
1 Jo. 5:1-12; \ 
I Jo. 5: 13-21. J 



Friday 1 Jo. 4 : 7 

Saturday 1 Jo. 5:1-12; }- John's Last Words. 

Sunday 



GOLDEN TEXT RESPONSIVE SERVICE. 

(To be used in place of the regular Scripture Reading with this lesson. The numerals with 
the questions refer to the lessons of the quarter.) 

XL. Superintendent (or Teacher) . What providential good did Paul 
perceive in the temporary flight of Onesimus from Philemon ? 

Sunday-school {or Class). "Perhaps he was therefore parted from 
thee for a season, that thou shouldest have him for ever. 1 ' (Philemon, 
vs. 15.) 

XLI. What spirit did Paul exhort the Philippians to cultivate? 

" Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 2 : 5.) 

XLII. In writing to the Ephesians, what position did he say that God 
had given to Christ ? 

" He put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave him to be head 
over all things to the church. 1 ' (Eph. 1 : 22.) 

XLI II. To what did Paul especially exhort Timothy? 

"Fight the good fight of the faith, lay hold on the life eternal." 
(1 Tim. 6: 12^.) 

XLIV. What did he tell Timothy as to the Source of his strength and 
the secret of his contentment ? 

" I can do all things in him that strengtheneth me." (Phil. 4: 13.) 

XLV. In what sublime words did he review his past life and express 
his hope for the future? 

" I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept 
the faith ; henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, 



Fifly'Zo. The Three Great Apostles. 183 

which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me at that day.' 1 (2 
Tim. 4 : 7, 8a.) 

XLVI. For what blessed experience did Peter praise God? 

" Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who accord- 
ing to his great mercy begat us again unto a living hope by the resurrec- 
tion of Jesus Christ from the dead. 11 (1 Pet. 1:3.) 

XLV1I. How did he encourage those who were spoken against for 
Christ's sake? 

" If ye are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are ye; because 
the Spirit of glory and the Spirit of God resteth upon you. 1 ' (1 Pet. 4: 

MO 

XL VIII. What was Peter's closing exhortation? 

"Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus 
Christ. 11 (2 Pet. 3: 180.) 

XLIX. What promise was given John concerning those in heaven? 

" God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes. 11 (Rev. 7 : 17b.) 

L. To whom is the heavenly inheritance promised? 

" He that overcometh shall inherit these things ; and I will be his God, 
and he shall be my son." (Rev. 21:7.) 

LI. What did John say concerning the true spiritual life? 

" He that hath the Son hath the life; he that hath not the Son of God 
hath not the life. 11 (1 Jo. 5 : 12.) 

QUESTIONS ON THE EPISTLES OF THE IMPRISONMENT. 

i. What Epistles were certainly written by Paul during his first Roman 
imprisonment? What Epistles were probably written then? 

2. What occasioned the Epistle to Philemon? What light does this 
Epistle throw on the character of Paul? 

3. What occasioned the Epistle to the Philippians? What does it show 
as to the relation of Paul to this church? 

4. What led Paul to write the Epistle to the Colossians? What does 
this Epistle teach as to the person of Christ? To whom was it sent 
beside the Colossians? 

5. For whom was the so-called Epistle to the Ephesians doubtless in- 
tended ? How do its teachings compare with those of the Epistle to the 
Colossians ? 

THE LAST YEARS OF PAUL'S LIFE. 

6. After the abrupt termination of the Acts, what sources of informa- 
tion have we as to PauPs closing years ? What was the probable issue of 
his first imprisonment at Rome? 

7. What places does Paul appear to have visited on his fourth mission- 
ary journey? What great calamity occurred in the city of Rome about 
this time? How did it affect the Christians in Rome and in the provinces? 

8. Where was Paul probably re-arrested? What was the nature of his 
second Roman imprisonment? How did he feel in view of its probable 
outcome? 



184 Outline Bible Studies. ^T&S?* 

9. What Epistles did he write during his period of freedom? What 
Epistle was written during his second Roman imprisonment? What is 
the general name of these Epistles? Why are they so called? 

10. In reviewing his life how did Paul regard his call into Christ's serv- 
ice? What was his supreme aim? What was the secret of his con- 
tentment? 

n. In his second Roman imprisonment, why did nearly all his friends 
desert him ? Whom did he especially wish to see ? Who never deserted 
him in life or death ? 

THE LATER TEARS OP PETER AND JOHN. 

12. What is the title of Part V of this Course of Lessons? How many 
years does it cover? 

13. What is known of the movements of Peter after his escape from the 
power of Herod? In what Roman provinces does he appear to have 
labored ? Among what class of people did he chiefly work ? 

14. What is the last notice of John in connection with Jerusalem (Gal. 
2:9)? Where does he afterwards describe himself as staying? Why 
was he there? What did he see there? What is reported of his closing 
years ? 

THE WRITINGS OF PETER AND JOHN. 

15. To whom did Peter address his two Epistles? What was the 
apparent occasion of the first ? of the second ? What is the characteristic 
word of the first ? of the second ? 

16. What portions of the New Testament are attributed to John? 
What was the purpose of the Revelation? Where was his Gospel prob- 
ably written (Note 94) ? What error was opposed in his first Epistle ? 
What is the characteristic word of this Epistle ? 

GENERAL QUESTIONS. 

17. What was the character of Peter as a disciple of Christ? What 
was his character as an Apostle ? What was his distinctive work in the 
apostolic church? 

18. What was the character of John as a disciple ? What radical change 
in him is revealed in his later writings? What was his distinctive work in 
the church ? 

19. What was Paul before his conversion ? How did this change him? 
What was his character as revealed in his work and writings ? What was 
his distinctive work for Christianity? 



Nofo unto Ijtm tfjat is able to oo exceeomg abtmoantlg abobe all 
tjjat foe ask or tijmfc, aceorotng to tf)e pofoer tfjat foorketj) m us, unto 
fjtm be tije glorrj tit tjje cfjurclj ana m Cfjrist Jesus unto all genera^ 
turns for euer ano eber. &men. (3Epi). 3 : 20, 21.) 
THE END. 



APPENDIX. 



Table of Abbreviations. 

App. Appendix to the lessons. A. V. The Authorized Version of the Bible — the one in 
most common use. B. D. Bible Dictionary, in the Appendix. Cf. or Comp. Compare, e.g. 
For example, ff. The following verses or pages. LXX. The Greek Old Testament, used in the 
time of Christ. MSS. Ancient Manuscripts of the Old or New Testament writings, pp. Pages. 
K. V. The Revised Version of the Bible, which is recommended for use with these lessons. 
w. 8. Which see. An interrogation point inclosed in parentheses (?) and placed after a word or 
statement expresses doubt as to its correctness. 

In Scripture references, chapter and verses are indicated thus: Mt. 5: 8, which means Mat- 
thew, fifth chapter, eighth verse; Mt. 5:3-10, which means Matthew, fifth chapter, verses 3 
to 10 inclusive; Mt. 5 :3, 10, which means Matthew, fifth chapter, verses 3 and 10, but not 
the verses between them. A passage from more than one chapter is indicated thus : 7 : 9 — 9 : 13, 
which means the whole of the text from 7 : 9 to and including 9 : 13. In such cases the dash is 
twice as long as that used between verses in the same chapter. The small letters, a, b, c added 
after a verse numeral (thus: Mk. 6: 6a), refer to the successive classes or evident divisions in the 
verse. The books of the Bible are commonly referred to by their first two or more letters; the 
exceptions are Cant, for Song of Songs, or Solomon's Song; Mt. for Matthew; Mk. for Mark; 
and a few others which explain themselves. 



Table of Books Recommended. 

The Bible. — The Revised Version is earnestly recommended. Price, 40 cents, $1.15, $1.50, 
postpaid. Teacher's Edition with maps, notes, index, etc., ruby type, $6.00; minion type, $8.00. 
For Sunday-schools using the Authorized Version, the Oxford's Teacher's Bible with all the helps, 
ruby type, is recommended. Price from $2.00 to $7-o°> according to binding. 

Next in Value. — Cruden : Concordance, $1.50; condensed, $1.00. Walker: Compre- 
hensive Concordance, excellent, $2.00. Schaff : Bible Dictionary, $2.00 net. Smith : Bible 
Dictionary; standard, $1.50. Burton: Records and Letters of the Apostolic Age; the Acts 
and Epistles arranged in substantially the same order as in these lessons; valuable notes; very 
useful, $1.50, net. 

Introductory Books. — Cambridge Companion to the Bible, 1893: Very valu- 
able; three editions, $1.00, $1.25, and $2.00, respectively. Oxford "Helps to the Study 
of the Bible": $1.50. A standard work, similar to the Cambridge Companion; one or both 
of these books should be in the hands of every teacher. Stifler : Introduction to the Acts of 
the Apostles; very helpful, $1.25. 

Commentaries on the Acts. — Abbott: Good for Sunday-school use, $1.50. Hackett: 
In "American Commentary"; more technical but a standard work, $2.00. Luinby : In 
"Cambridge Bible"; good, $1.10 net. Plumptre : In "The Handy Commentary"; fair in 
statement, $1.25. Stokes: In "The Expositor's Bible"; diffuse, 2 vols., $3.00. Parker: 
People's Bible, expository and homiletical, 3 vols., $4.50. Clark : Notes on the Acts; valuable 
for Sunday-school workers, $1.50. Rice : People's Commentary; critical and popular, $1.25. 

History. — Lechler : Apostolic and Post-Apostolic Times, 2 vols., $5.00. Neander: 

Planting and Training of the Christian Church, a standard work, $3.00. Farrar : Early Days 
of Christianity ; vivid descriptions, 75 cents. Thatcher : A Sketch of the History of the 
Apostolic Church; one of the best handbooks on this subject, $1.25. 

Laves of Peter and John. — Robinson : Simon Peter, vol. i, Early Life, $1.00; vol. ii, 
Later Life; expository lectures, $1.25. Macduff: Footsteps of St. Peter, $2.00. Stalker: 
The Two St. Johns of the New Testament, $1.00. 

Lives of Paul. — Conybeare and Howson : Scholarly and popular, $3.00. Farrar: 
Graphic and eloquent, $2.00. Stalker: A model of condensation, 60 cents. Taylor: Popular, 
$1.50. Sabatier : Apostle Paul; development of Paul's system of thought, $2.00. Ramsay: 
St. Paul the Traveler and the Roman Citizen; fresh light on the history and archaeology of the 
Acts; a valuable reference book for teachers, $3.00. Forbes: Footsteps of St. Paul in Rome, 
75 cents. Stevens : Pauline Theology, $2.00. Goodwin: Harmony of the Life of St. Paul, 
$1.75. Pratt: The Life and Epistles of Paul Harmonized and Chronologically arranged in 
Scripture language, $1.25. 

Note. — For books marked " net " add 10 per cent if ordered by mail. All others sent postpaid 
on receipt of price. A special discount will be allowed if two or more books are ordered. Cor- 
respondence solicited. 

THE BIBLE STUDY PUBLISHING CO., 21 Bromfield St., Boston, Mass. 

i 



Appendix : Notes on Lesson 1. 
EXPLANATOKY NOTES AND EEMAEKS. 

Remark 1. — These Notes and Remarks are designed to throw light on the Scrip- 
ture text. It is recommended that they be studied carefully in connection with the 
lesson questions. They will assist to a better understanding of the passages referred 
to, and will afford much material for additional questions by the teacher. 

Lesson 1. The Call of Peter and John. 

Remark 2. — As a matter of convenience the Explanatory Notes on the passages 
referred to in this lesson and the two following are presented in the order of the New 
Testament books rather than in the order in which they are referred to in the lessons. 

Matthew. (16:16) Simon Peter: In the first three Gospels this compound 
form of the Apostle's name occurs only here and in Lu. 5 : 8, but in the Fourth Gospel 
it is used almost exclusively, except in quotations. (16:17) Simon Bar- Jonah 
(A. V., " Bar-jona") : That is, Simon the son of Jonah, or John (see Jo. i : 42 ; 21 : 15, 
R. V.). Of this John, or Jonah, Peter's father, nothing is known beyond his name. 
(27 : 56) Mother, etc. : The woman here called " the mother of the sons of Zebe- 
dee" (A. V., "mother of Zebedee's children") is called "Salome" in Mk. 15:40. 
She was one of the most devoted followers of Jesus. John, her son, doubtless derived 
from her some of his finest traits. 

Mark. (1 : 16) Simon {hearing) : The original Aramaic name of Peter. He 
was always so addressed by Jesus, and is usually so called in the first three Gospels 
until his great confession, after which he is called Peter (Mt. 16 : 18). A variant form, 
Symeon (A. V., "Simeon "), occurs in Acts 15 : 14. Andrew : See below on Jo. 1 140. 
(1 :17) Come ye after me : Peter, John and others had followed Christ for some 
time after their first interview with Him at the Jordan. After the close of the early 
Judean ministry Jesus returned to Galilee, where, for some reason not stated, the disci- 
ples resumed their former occupation. The call by the shore was an invitation to fol- 
low Jesus permanently. Fishers of men : A figure of speech whereby Jesus signified 
to Peter and Andrew their change of occupation, and their call to serve Him exclusively. 
As they had gathered fish into their nets, so henceforth they were to gather men into 
the kingdom of God. This term now describes the special work of the Christian 
minister. (1 : 18) Straightway : Apparently without a moment's deliberation or 
consultation. (1:19) Zebedee: A fisherman of Galilee, the father of James and 
John. He appears only this once in the Gospel narrative. (1 : 20) Hired serv- 
ants t The fact that Zebedee, beyond the assistance derived from his two sons, em- 
ployed hired servants, indicates that the family were in easy circumstances. It is pos- 
sible that John's mother may have been one of the "many others" (Lu. 8:3) who 
ministered to Jesus and His disciples of their "substance." In Jo. 19 : 27 John speaks 
of himself as taking the mother of Jesus to " his own home." From the mention of 
the acquaintance between John and Annas the high priest (Jo. 18 : 15) it has been in- 
ferred that the family was of some consequence. (1 : 29) House of Simon and 
Andrew Verse 21 shows that the house here spoken of was in Capernaum. Since 
it was no mere fisherman's hut on the shore but a place large enough to accommodate, 
beside the family, a considerable number of visitors, it has been inferred that Peter was 
well-off when he left all to follow Jesus. (1 : 30) Simon's wife's mother : The 
name of Peter's wife is not known, but from 1 Cor. 9:5 she appears to have accom- 
panied him on his missionary journeys. Tradition says that they had a daughter 
named Petronilla. (3 : 14) He appointed (A. V., " ordained ") twelve, etc. : 
The former call at the shore of Galilee had been to continuous service for Christ ; this 
was a formal appointment to apostleship (see Lu. 6 : 13). (3: 16) Peter {rock) : The 
English form of the Greek, Petros, the name given to Simon by Jesus (see Jo. 1 : 42, 
below). 

Luke. (5:2) Two boats (A. V., "ships"), etc. : Notwithstanding apparent 
variations the scene recorded in the following verses is clearly the same as that recorded 
by Matthew (4 : 18-22) and Mark (1 : 16-20). (5 : 5) We toiled all night (A. V., 
"we have toiled all the night ") : This incident evidently occurred in the early fore- 
noon. All previous experience had taught the uselessness of fishing at that time. 
But incredulous as Peter was of success he obeyed at once. (5 : 6) A great multi- 

ii 



Appendix : Notes on Lesson 2. 

tude of fishes : A foreshadowing of the amazing success that would attend their 
future work as fishers of men. (5:7) Partners : In the fishing business. (5 : 8) 
Depart, etc.: It is "possible that Peter's mind reverted to his distrust of Christ's 
knowledge or power when told to launch out and cast in the net. Though he obeyed 
the Masfer he did it with very little faith ; and now his sinful lack of trust overwhelmed 
him with shame. He felt himself to be exceedingly unworthy before his holy and 
heart-reading Lord." — Hovey, in Am. Com. on Luke. (5:10) Fear .not : Peter's 
consciousness of sin would all the better qualify him for his future work. 

John. (1:35) Two of his disciples : Johnnever names himself in his Gospel; 
but, as this narrative could only have come from an eye-witness, it is quite certain that 
one of these two was John himself. (1 : 40) Andrew : Of his subsequent work for 
Christ not a single detail is known; but apparently the brief effort to bring Peter to 
Christ told more effectively on the future history of the church than all the rest of his 
life. (1:41) He findeth first (A. V., "first findeth") : Possibly this may imply that 
after Andrew had found Peter, John was inspired by his example to find his brother 
James. (1 : 42) Cephas {rock, stone) : The Aramaic form of the name which is 
more familiar in its Greek form, Petros, or Peter. It was doubtless given to Simon in 
view of the original strength of his character. In the Epistles of Paul he is almost 
always called Cephas. 

Acts. (4 : 13) Unlearned and ignorant men : So called by the Jewish 
rulers in Jerusalem, because they had not been trained in the schools of the Rabbis. 
Peter and John unquestionably had the education which was demanded of all Jewish 
children, and which was furnished in schools maintained by the community. 



Liesson 2. The Training of Peter and John. 

(See Remarks i, 2, Lesson i.) 

Matthew. (14 : 28) Lord, if it be thou, etc. : Because Peter did not doubt 
that it was Christ who walked on the water, he felt confident enough to ask that he 
might come to Him in the same manner. For the purpose of teaching the impulsive 
disciple a lesson that he could not learn so impressively in any other way, Jesus con- 
sented. (14: 29) To come (A. V., "go ") to Jesus.: The correct reading here is 
probably "and came" to Jesus, as in the margin of the R. V. Peter had almost 
reached Jesus when his faith gave way. (14:31) O thou of little faith: Note 
that Jesus did not reprove Peter for his presumptuous request, but only because his 
faith failed before his journey across the waves was completed. He became frightened 
and could not believe that what had sustained him part of the way could keep him all 
the way. (16 : 16) The Christ : The Messiah of the Jews. Son of the living 
God:' A clear affirmation of Christ's divinity. (16:17) Flesh and blood: A 
common expression among the Jews for man as distinguished from God. (16:18) 
Upon this rock, etc.: There is here a play upon words. " Peter," or petros in 
Greek, meant rock. Jesus said, " Thou art Rock {Petros), and upon this rock {petra) 
I will build my church." Some interpreters, in order to escape the preposterous infer- 
ences drawn by Roman Catholics from this passage, have supposed that " this rock" 
meant either Peter's character or Peter's confession. The best of modern commenta- 
tors concede, however, that the words refer to Peter himself, and that the cause of 
truth cannot be served by a misinterpretation of the text. Jesus declared that Peter by 
virtue of his leadership in apostolic labors would in a marked sense become a founda- 
tion of the church. The same is also affirmed of all the Apostles and prophets (Eph. 
2:20), since the church is built on their testimony and work for Christ. (16:19) 
Keys of the kingdom of heaven : Christ in these words seems to confer on 
Peter the authority to prohibit or to permit certain things within the kingdom of God ; 
such as to declare and apply the laws of the kingdom, and to teach men the spiritual 
conditions of admission to it. A similar authority was afterwards given to all the 
Apostles (Jo. 20 : 21-23), ar, d by implication they were also included with Peter at this 
time. The promise most certainly does not convey such authority as popes and priests 
have claimed in virtue of it. (16: 23) Get thee behind me, Satan: In this 
suggestion of Peter that Jesus could fulfil His mission in some easier way than through 

Hi 



Appendix : Notes on Lesson J. 

suffering and death, Jesus recognized the essence of the Satanic temptation in the wil- 
derness. Hence the severity of His rebuke. (17 : 26) Therefore the sons are 
free (A. V., " Then are the children free ") : As kings do not tax their children, but the 
people, so Jesus, Son of the King of kings, was not subject to the temple tax. This 
was one principle. But Jesus at once overruled it by another. Not to comply with 
this regulation which was binding on every Israelite would have subjected Him to crit- 
icisms that would have interfered with His work. It is better to surrender a trivial 
personal right than to insist upon it at the risk of far greater evils. (18 : 21) How 
oft, etc. : Forgiveness is not a matter of arithmetic, but of disposition. Christ 
demands a spirit of forgiveness at all times. 

Mark. (5 : 37) Save Peter, and James, and John : Notwithstanding many 
natural defects these three appear to have been drawn closer to Christ than any of 
the other disciples. He perceived in them characters capable of being worked over 
by divine grace into most valuable agencies for the advancement of His kingdom, 
and gave them special opportunities for a better knowledge of Himself and His work. 
(10 : 30) A hundredfold now : This refers to the spiritual satisfaction that comes 
through self-sacrifice for Christ. It is the highest joy known on earth. (10 : 39) We 
are able (A. V., " we can ") : So ambitious and self-confident were James and John 
that they were willing to endure anything to be first in the kingdom. Jesus promised 
them the suffering, but not the glory. 

Luke. (9:50) He that is not against you (A. V., "us") is for you 
(A. V., " us ") : A rule for the charitable judgment of other people (comp. Mk. g : 38- 
40). Under ordinary circumstances it is fair to presume that others are friendly and 
well-intentioned unless we have evidence to the contrary. In Mt. 12:30 Jesus was 
speaking in the presence of avowed and bitter enemies and was making a sharp dis- 
tinction between them and his friends. The person who in these circumstances did 
not show himself friendly might be presumed to be an enemy. (9 : 54) Lord, 
wilt thou that we bid (A. V., " command") fire, etc. : The fiery spirit displayed 
by John and his brother on this occasion, as well as the deliberate effort to overreach 
their fellow-disciples in securing the chief honors of their Master's kingdom (Mk. 10: 
35-45) do not indicate that spirit of patience and love for which John was after- 
wards renowned. These graces may have been the result of a long and painful disci- 
pline that radically transfigured a character at first somewhat vindictive and selfish. 

JOHN. (13 : 5) Began to wash . . . feet, etc. : Peter as well as the rest needed 
to be taught by example that true greatness in the kingdom consists in willingness to 
do the humblest service {comp. Mk. 10 : 43-45). 



Lesson 3. Peter's Fall and John's Steadfastness. 

Remark 3. — Peter's Three Denials of Christ. These occurred during 
the trial of Jesus before the Jewish authorities. The varying details in the Gospels 
may possibly be harmonized as follows : (a) The first denial was made to the female 
slave who admitted Peter into the courtyard, and while Jesus was in the house of 
Annas (Jo. 18 : 15-17). (0) The second denial was made to another female slave while 
Peter was warming himself at the fire (Mt. 26 : 69, 70 ; Mk. 14 : 66-68a ; Lu. 22 : 55-57). 
(c) The third denial was made about an hour later when Peter had left the fire, and 
had gone out into the " porch " or " forecourt," perhaps to escape further questioning. 
It was occasioned by the accusation of one of the female slaves already mentioned, 
and of other bystanders (Mt. 26:71-75; Mk. 14:68^-72; Lu. 22:58-62; Jo. 18: 
25-27). 

Matthew. (26:69) Court (A. V., "palace"): The inclosed square around 
which " the house of Caiaphas the high priest " was built. (26 : 70) But he 
denied : He was frightened at being in the midst of enemies, and perhaps ashamed 
of his connections with a Messiah under arrest and about to die. I know not, etc. : 
An evasion meaning that he was so unacquainted with Jesus as not even to understand 
the charge. (26:72) With an oath: The addition of perjury to falsehood. 

iv 



Appendix : Notes on Lesson J. 

(26 : 74) To curse and to swear : Not to be taken as profanity, but, as the words 
signify, by means of solemn oaths invoking upon himself dire evil if he spoke falsely. 

Mark. (16 : 7) And Peter : Our Lord's regard for His broken-hearted disciple 
is seen in this message sent by the angel. If Peter had not been mentioned by name 
he might have considered himself as excluded from discipleship. As Mark's Gospel 
was probably written under the direct influence of Peter, it is likely that we have here 
a personal reminiscence. 

Luke. (22 :31) Simon : Th8 name by which our Lord always addressed Peter, 
Satan asked (A. V., " hath desired ") to have you : " You " is plural. Satan is 
represented as so eager to have every one of this little company of disciples in his 
power that he had actually asked permission of God to tempt them, as in the case of 
Job (i : 9-11 ; 2:3-6). Sift you : So to shake them in their faith as to bring them to 
the verge of spiritual overthrow. He had already sifted out Judas, and hoped to prove 
the rest to be traitors too. (22:32) But I made supplication (A. V., "have 
prayed " ) for thee : For Peter especially, as the one who, through over-confidence in 
himself, was likely to be most severely tried. Fail not: Not cease utterly. When 
once thou hast turned again (A. V., "when thou art converted") : After the 
temporary eclipse of faith in the impending fall. Stablish (A. V., " strengthen ") thy 
brethren : Let the trial through which thou art about to pass be the means of estab- 
lishing thee so firmly in faith that thereafter thou mayest be able to support and 
strengthen those who are wavering. (22 : 60) The cock crew : Mark only (14 : 68) 
mentions the first of these warning signals. Peter heard it, but was too excited to re- 
call its meaning. (22 : 61) The Lord turned : Perhaps as He was being led 
through the court. Looked upon Peter : Only a look, but it meant more than 
words. (22:62) Wept: The verb means not merely to shed tears, but to weep 
audibly, to cry as a child. Bitterly : Indicative of piercing grief and remorse. 
(24 : 34) Hath appeared to Simon : Comp. 1 Cor. 15 : 5. Thus recognizing 
his deep repentance. 

JOHN. (18 : 10) Malchus : Peter's rash attack on Malchus evidenced his deter- 
mination to defend Christ at all hazards. His self-confidence maintained itself up to 
this time, but immediately afterwards gave way. (18 : 15) Simon Peter followed, 
etc. : The other disciple here mentioned was John himself. Both recovered their 
courage after a momentary flight (Mt. 26: 56^). John followed closely and was ad- 
mitted to the courtyard of the high priest's house with those who were leading Jesus. 
Peter followed at a distance. Kntered (A. V., "went") in with Jesus : John's 
boldness in letting it be known that he was a follower of Christ was his protection 
against the temptation that caused Peter's fall. No one thought of questioning his 
attachment to Christ. (18 : 16) Other disciple . . . brought in Peter : A 
service well-meant, but based on an overestimate of Peter's moral courage. (19 : 26) 
The disciple . . . whom he loved : John's loving fidelity seems to have kept 
him as near as possible to Jesus. (19:27) Behold, thy mother: No greater 
testimony to Christ's love for John could have been given than the charge implied in, 
these words. (19 :35) He that hath seen (A. V., "saw") : John remained near 
the cross until the end, a personal witness to the sufferings and death of his beloved 
Master. (20 : 2) Cometh to Simon Peter, etc. : That he and John were together 
indicates that John still trusted him notwithstanding his fall. (21 : 3) I go a fish- 
ing : Temporarily, while awaiting the promised appearance of Jesus in Galilee. 
(21 :15) Lovest thou me more than these : An allusion to Peter's boast of 
superior loyalty (Mt. 26 : 33-35). Would he make this same claim now? (21:17) 
Peter was grieved, etc. : The point is lost in English, which has only one word 
with which to translate the two Greek words agapao — love in its loftiest, purest, most 
absorbing form ; and phiteo — love of attachment in its lower, personal form. In the 
first two questions Jesus used the higher word and Peter humbly answered in the 
lower. The third time, and this was what grieved Peter, Jesus adopted the word which 
Peter had used, as if he doubted that Peter had even this lower affection for Him. 
Feed my sheep : The thrice-repeated commission to Peter was a public reconsecra- 
tion of the penitent and forgiven disciple to the work of Christ. This mission would 
lead him forth to suffering and death. (21:21) What shall this man do: A 
question prompted by the Lord's intimation about Peter's own martyrdom. 



Appendix : Notes on Lesson 4. 

Lesson 4. Peter's Leadership in the Church. 

Peter at the Election of a New Apostle. Acts, ch. 1. (15) Peter 
stood up : On comparing the lists of the Apostles given in Mt. 10 : 2-4 ; Mk. 3 : 16- 
19 ; Lu. 6 : 14-16 ; Acts 1 : 13 it is seen that Peter was the universally recognized leader 
of the Twelve. His action on this occasion accords with his impulsive and outspoken 
character, as well as with the charge given him by the Lord in Lu. 22 : 32. (18, 19) 
Now this man, etc. : These two verses are generally regarded as an explanatory 
note inserted by Luke, and not a part of Peter's «.ddress. This is indicated by the 
parenthesis in the R. V. (21, 22) Of the (A. V.," these") men . . . resurrec- 
tion : The qualifications here enumerated show that the Apostles regarded themselves 
as called to be witnesses to the facts concerning Christ, and not spiritual lords in the 
kingdom of heaven. Note that the proposition to fill the breach made by the fall of 
Judas was made by Peter. (23) They : The 120 mentioned in vs. 15, and not the 
Apostles only. The fact that this appointment of a new Apostle was made by the 
entire body of believers and not by Peter alone proves that his leadership was moral 
rather than official. Whatever the nature of the primacy conferred upon him (Mt. 16 : 
18, 19) it did not qualify or authorize him to appoint a successor to Judas. (24) 
Thou, Lord : This prayer was doubtless addressed to Christ, whom Peter had just 
called " Lord " (vs. 21). The disciples felt competent to decide as to the external, but 
not the internal, qualifications for apostleship. Hence the final decision was referred 
to Christ Himself. 

Peter on the Day of Pentecost. Acts, ch. 2. (1) Day of Pentecost : 

May 27, A.D ~i . " Pentecost " means in Greek " fiftieth." The name was given to the 
second of the three great Jewish feasts because it was celebrated on the fiftieth day after 
the Passover. It was also called the "feast of weeks " or " the day of first-fruits" and 
was originally celebrated as a thanksgiving for the harvest which in Palestine occurred 
in the weeks between the Passover and Pentecost. All together : The A. V. reads 
"with one accord," which, though a less accurate translation, doubtless describes truly 
the disposition of those assembled. In one place : Not the temple, but " the house " 
mentioned in the next verse, and in Acts 1 : 13. (2, 3) Wind . . . tongues . . • 
fire : " Wind" was a symbol of the invisible but mighty Spirit (Jo. 3 : 7, 8) ; " fire" 
was also a symbol of the divine presence (Ex. 3:2) as well as a purifying agent (Mt. 
3 : 11) ; " tongues," not swords or scepters, symbolized the practical uses to which these 
inspired believers were expected to put these new gifts. They were to be witnesses for 
Christ, sent to persuade men. (6) In his own language : The gift of tongues 
symbolized the universality of the Gospel in its power to override all distinctions of 
language and nationality. This gift seems never to have been used by the Apostles for 
the purpose of preaching in languages unknown to them. (13) New wine : " Sweet 
wine. . . . This species of wine was very intoxicating." — Hackett. (14) Peter . . ■ 
with the eleven: That is, as their representative and spokesman, though it is possible 
that, in view of the vast assembly, others of the Apostles may have addressed the 
people in substantially the same line of thought (see vs. 6). (15) Not drunken: 
Peter begins his address with a defense of the disciples, since no Jew would have 
taken wine so early on a feast day. Third hour: Nine o'clock in the morning. 
(16-21) But this is that, etc. : These manifestations are a fulfilment of a well- 
known prophecy concerning the Messianic times. ("22-24) Jesus of Nazareth : 
That Jesus was the predicted Messiah, the Christ, is proved by His works (vs. 22) and 
by His resurrection (vss. 23,24). (25, 26) For David, etc.: That the Messiah 
should be raised from the dead should not occasion surprise, since it was foretold by 
David. (27) Thou wilt not leave my soul in Hades : Not " hell" as in the 
A. V. Hades was the Greek name of the underground world, the supposed abode of 
disembodied spirits, called by the Hebrews " Sheol." The prophecy means that the 
abode of the dead would not be able to retain the Messiah. (29-31) David . . . 
buried : The words quoted by Peter from David could not have been spoken by 
David concerning himself, since he died and was buried, and his tomb was then in 
existence; they must, therefore, have been spoken of the Messiah, whose resurrection 
he foresaw. (32) This Jesus, etc. : That Jesus was raised from the dead is the 
stupendous fact to which all the disciples were witnesses. (33) Exalted : That 
Jesus was not only raised from the dead, but exalted to the right hand of God is proved 

vi 



Appendix : Notes on Lesson j. 

by a further prophecy (vss. 34, 35), and being thus exalted, He it is who has poured 
out the Holy Spirit, the Source of the wonders which were thus beheld. The whole 
argument culminates in this statement, from which the conclusion inevitably follows 
(vs. 36) that this Jesus was none other than the long-expected Messiah, the Christ. 
(38) Repent: That is, change your mind concerning this Jesus, accept Him as the 
Messiah, and live in obedience to His commandments. Be baptized: As a public 
and solemn confession of loyalty to Christ, and as a dedication to His service. Re- 
mission . . • sins : That is, in order that your sins may be forgiven, not in conse- 
quence of baptism, but in virtue of repentance and faith in Christ. 



Lesson 5. Peter and John in the Temple. 

The Healing of the Lame Man. Acts 3:1-10. (1) Up: Because the 
temple was located on Mt. Moriah. Ninth hour : About three o'clock in the after- 
noon ; the time for the evening sacrifice. (2) Was carried : By friends who could 
not heal his lameness, but helped him as far as they could. Door (A. V., " gate ") 
. . . called Beautiful : This gate is thought to be the one described by Josephus 
(Wars, Bk. 5, ch. 5, § 3) as made of Corinthian brass, 50 cubits high, and overlaid 
with plates of gold and silver. It led from the court of the Gentiles into the court of 
the women (see B. D., "Temple"). (6) Silver and gold . . . none : Peter and 
John had left all to follow Christ (Mt. 19 : 27) , and pecuniarily were no richer than the 
beggar himself; but in that faith and spiritual power which bring the greatest blessings 
to the world they were rich beyond kings and emperors. In the name of: By 
authority and through the power of. Compare the independent authority of Jesus, 
"I say unto thee." (7) Took him by the right hand: To encourage and 
strengthen the cripple in his effort to obey the command. (8) Leaping up, etc.: 
These words and the following describe the four ways in which the man by a natural 
gradation tested his new-born strength. That he walked without having learned adds 
force to the miracle. Praising God : Giving expression thereby to the religious joy 
which filled his soul. He recognized the power exerted by the Apostles as coming 
directly from God. (9) All the people : This miracle was not only a work of 
grace upon the lame man, but an attestation of the divine commission of the Apostles ; 
furthermore, the miracle was wrought with so many witnesses and on a subject so well 
known that it could not be evaded or denied. 

Peter's Address in the Temple. Acts 3:11-26. (11) Held: By the 

hand. Porch . . . Solomon's : The covered colonnade extending north and 
south along the eastern side of the temple enclosure (see B. D., "Temple"). It was 
much used as a place of public gatherings. (12) Answered : Not to any question, 
but to the looks of amazement which seemed to demand some explanation for the 
miracle. On us : The mere human instruments, instead of God or Christ the real 
Source of this miraculous power. (13) Glorified: This miracle was wrought in 
order that Christ might be honored thereby. Servant (A. V., " Son ") : One of the 
Messianic titles in the Old Testament, occurring especially in the second part of the 
book of Isaiah (42 : 1 ; 52 : 13 ; 53 : 11). Here, as in vs. 26, and in 4 : 27, 30, it is ap- 
plied to our Lord. Delivered up : The same word which is used in jo. 19 : n to 
describe the treachery of Judas. Denied: Refused to recognize His Messianic 
claims, (l-i) The Holy and Righteous One (A. V.,"the Holy One and the 
Just ") : So described not merely in pointed contrast with the infamous character of 
Barabbas, but because this was an Old Testament description of the Messiah ; see 
Ps. 16: 10; Zech. 9: 9. (15) Prince (or author) of life : The word here and in 
5:31 translated " Prince " is translated " author " in Heb. 2 : 10 ; 12 : 2, and means a 
leader, or one who is the source of anything. In the fullest sense Jesus is the Source 
of life, physical and spiritual. (16) By (A. V., " through ") faith : That is, the 
faith of the Apostles. The power of their faith was much more important just now 
than that of the lame man. Name : This stands for our Lord Himself and all that He 
represents of love, power, knowledge, wisdom and grace. (17) Wot : Obsolete form 
for " know." In (A. V., " through ") ignorance : If the Jews had believed that Jesus 
was the Messiah they would not have crucified Him. They put Him to death because 
He was not the kind of Messiah they wanted or expected. (18) But the (A, V., 

vii 



Appendix : Notes on Lesson 6. 

"those") things, etc.: God's purpose concerning the Messiah as predicted in 
prophecy was fulfilled through the wickedness of the Jewish people and their rulers. 
(19) Repent : Repentance in this case involved primarily a change of mind respect- 
ing Jesus as the Messiah, but furthermore a conformity of the life to His spirit and 
will. (20) Send the Christ (A. V., "send Jesus Christ"): The speedy coming 
again of Christ was universally expected in the early churches. (21) Restoration 
(A. V., " restitution ") of all things : The restoration of the ruin wrought by sin be- 
gan with the death of Christ. The words used here evidently refer to the consumma- 
tion of this work in that golden future anticipated by the Old Testament prophets. 
Since the world began : Since the first prophecy in the garden of Eden of the 
bruising of the head of the serpent, there had been a constant and increasingly clear 
line of prophecies announcing the final victory of good over evil. (25) Sons (A. V., 
" children ") of the prophets : Not literally, but in the sense that they were heirs of 
all the promises and blessings foretold by the prophets, and as such ought to give im- 
mediate heed to their fulfilment through Jesus of Nazareth. 



Lesson 6. Peter and John in Prison. 

Peter and John Examined. Acts 4:1-12. (1) As they spake: Peter's 
address was broken off before it was finished. The captain of the temple : Not 
a Roman military officer, but the Jewish commander of the body of Levites who did 
police duty in the temple. Perhaps the same as the '" ruler of the house of God," 
mentioned in the Old Testament (i Chron. 9:11; 2 Chron. 31:13). Sadducees: 
See B. D. These are mentioned because the preaching of the resurrection of Christ 
was especially offensive to them. Our Lord Himself came into conflict chiefly with 
the Pharisees, they being the religious leaders of the people, but after His resurrection 
the Sadducees appear to have been the earliest persecutors of the Apostles. (3) In 
ward (A. V., " hold ") : In prison for safe keeping. Unto the morrow (A. V., 
" next day ") : The afternoon was now too far spent for an immediate trial. (4) The 
men : Women are probably included. " An emphasized or conscious restriction of 
the term to men would be at variance with that religious equality of the sexes so dis- 
tinctly affirmed in the New Testament." — Hackett. (5) Their rulers and elders 
and scribes : The different classes which composed the Sanhedrin (see B. D., 
" Sanhedrin"). (7) By what power: By what kind of might or efficacy. In 
(A. V., " by " ) what name : By the utterance of what kind of name, divine or 
satanic (comp. Mt. 12:24). Ye: Emphatic, that is, "such as you," ignorant and 
commonplace people. This : The healing of the lame man. It will be noticed that 
the Sanhedrin made no criminal charge against Peter and John, but asked a quibbling 
question as to the means employed in healing the lame man. By this they hoped to 
turn the Apostles away from the fact itself and entrap them into some admission on 
which they could base a charge. (8) Filled with the Holy Ghost : See Mk. 13 : 
11; Lu. 12: 12; 21: 14, 15. (9) Made whole : Literally, saved. " Peter makes the 
salvation of the impotent man from his impotency a text for proclaiming the gospel of 
salvation." — Abbott. (10) Beit known, etc.: Peter skilfully threw upon the San- 
hedrin itself the responsibility for compelling him to preach to them of Jesus and the 
resurrection. Whom ye crucified : The prisoner at the bar becomes the accuser 
of his judges. Whom God raised : The central historical fact in the preaching of 
the Apostles. In (A. V., "by") him: Jesus of Nazareth; that is, by His power. 
Doth this man stand here : The living and indisputable evidence that the miracle 
had been wrought (see vs. 14). (11) You . . . builders: The Jews, and especially 
their rulers, had the privilege of being the builders of God's kingdom on the earth, but 
by their rejection of Jesus, who is the very Foundation of that kingdom, they lost this 
privilege {comp. Mt. 21 : 42, 43; 1 Pet. 2 : 6, 7). (12) Salvation : Literally, the sal- 
vation. The definite article indicates that Peter has in mind a definite and well-under- 
stood salvation, not merely that which has just been experienced by the lame man, 
but the Messianic salvation which God has promised through Christ. 

Peter and John Threatened. Acts 4 : 13-22. (13) Unlearned and 

ignorant : That is, untaught in the rabbinical learning of the Jewish schools. Peter 
and John were plain Galilean fishermen and not trained scholars. Took knowl- 

viii 



Appendix : Notes on Lesson y. 

edge, etc. : Recognized or remembered them as having been among Jesus' disciples. 
(14) Could say nothing against it : From all the facts in the case only one 
conclusion could be drawn. But this conclusion, that these illiterate fishermen had 
derived their power and courage from Christ, the council refused to draw. (16) 
Notable miracle, etc. : " That a definite proof of divine cooperation has happened 
through them, is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we are not in position 
to deny it." — Meyer. (17) It spread: That is, the knowledge of this miracle, and 
with it the doctrine of which the miracle was a proof. Threaten them: "They 
could not find any offence against the law: they had arrested them without a charge ; 
they were bound by law to set them free. But the council must find some pretext for 
silencing these men. They confessed that they were innocent of any legal charge ; so 
they strove to crush out truth by authority. The apostles were not to utter the name 
of Jesus to any one." — Rice. (19) Whether it be right, etc. : This fundamental 
question should have been considered by the council, who could not deny the miracle 
as a sign of divine power. The question as put by Peter and John was an appeal 
from the human tribunal to that of God. (21) Let them go : Because the members 
of the council were unable to invent any kind of punishment which, in view of the 
popular favor, would not endanger their own safety. 

The Return of Peter and John. Acts 4 : 23-31. (23) To their own 
company: The other Apostles and the whole number of believers. (24) Lifted 
up their voice : Probably many expressions of joy and gratitude poured forth from 
the hearts of the disciples, of which the substance is gathered up into the words which 
follow. (25-30) By the mouth of . . . David, etc.: In the death of Jesus, as 
well as in the present attitude of the rulers toward themselves, the disciples saw a 
fulfilment of the prophecy in the second Psalm. 



Lesson 7. Peter's Growing Power and Influence. 

Peter's Exposure of Ananias and Sapphira. Acts 5 : 1-16. (1) But : 

In contrast with the unselfishness exhibited by Barnabas and others, of which mention 
had just been made. (2) Kept back part of the price : The word translated 
" kept back " is translated " purloined " in Titus 2 : 10. The act was really a theft or 
embezzlement, since the entire proceeds of the sale were ostensibly devoted to the Lord. 
Privy to it : Sapphira joined with her husband in the conspiracy. Laid it at the 
apostles' feet : With a display of what appeared to be self-sacrificing piety. It was 
an acted lie. They coveted a reputation for the largest generosity while not exercising 
it. The inspiring motive was a combination of pride and avarice. (3) But Peter : 
Endowed for the time with a supernatural insight {r.omp. 2 Ki. 5 : 25, 26). Lie to the 
Holy Ghost (or unto God, vs. 4) : Because it was in His service that the gift was to 
be used. The wickedness of the attempt to deceive the Apostles and the church was 
insignificant in comparison with the deliberate attempt to deceive and defraud God 
Himself. (4) Whiles it remained, etc. : While the property was in the hands of 
Ananias he was entirely free to keep it ; after it was sold he was not obliged to give the 
price, nor any part of it, into the common fund. His hypocrisy was wholly gratuitous. 
(5) Gave up the ghost : Or, " breathed out his life." " The severity of the punish- 
ment is justified by the consideration that here was presented the first open venture of 
deliberate wickedness, as audacious as it was hypocritical, against the principle of 
holiness ruling in the church." — Meyer. (6) Carried him out: The Jews usually 
buried their dead within a few hours after death. The place of burial was outside the 
city wall for all except kings and a few other notable persons. (15) His (A. V., 
"the") shadow 7 : It is implied that those upon whom Peter's shadow fell were 
healed. 

The Apostles Arrested and Beaten. Acts 5 : 17-42. (17) High priest 

rose up : That is, aroused himself from a state of inactivity against this new move- 
ment to one of active opposition. Filled with jealousy ( A. V., " indignation ") : 
Because of the great influence of the Apostles over the people. (20) This Life : 
The life brought to light through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This fact, especially 
obnoxious to the Sadducees, the Apostles were directed to proclaim with renewed 
emphasis. (21) The senate : Literally, " the council of old men " ; another term 

ix 



Appendix: Notes on Lesson 8. 

for the Sanhedrin. (24) Whereunto this would grow : Because of the influ- 
ence of the Apostles' miraculous release. The Jewish authorities did not question the 
Apostles as to the manner of their release, clearly because they were anxious to keep 
the matter as quiet as possible. (28) We straitly charged (A. V., " command "), 
etc. : Three specifications were contained in the high priest's arraignments : (a) A bold 
and flagrant violation of the Sanhedrin's previous stringent command ; (b) filling Jeru- 
salem with a doctrine extremely offensive to the court, and (c) a persistent attempt to 
fasten on them, the Sanhedrin, the guilt of having unjustly slain Jesus of Nazareth. (29) 
Peter . . . apostles : Peter perhaps spoke for the Apostles. We must (A. V., 
" ought to ") obey, etc. : A rule which the council itself could not controvert. " In 
applying this principle, it will be found that the Apostles in every instance abstained 
from all forcible resistance to the public authorities. They refused utterly to obey the 
mandates which required them to violate their consciences, but they endured quietly 
the penalties which the executors of the law enforced against them." — Hackett. This 
was Peter's answer to the first charge ; the second and third needing no defense, he 
proceeded to justify himself and the other Apostles for their disobedience of the San- 
hedrin's command. (30, 31) The God of our fathers, etc. : Peter's justification 
consists of four parts : (a) That the Sanhedrin had murdered Jesus; (b) that God 
had raised Him from the dead and exalted Him to His right hand, thereby proving 
His divine character; (c) that from this divine exaltation of Jesus as Prince and 
Saviour it followed that the Sanhedrin had entirely mistaken His character and person ; 
and (d) that his mission consisted in giving repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of 
sins. (32) We . . . and . . . the Holy Ghost : Peter plants the testimony of 
himself and his fellow Apostles on the same plane with that of the Holy Spirit. 
Whom God hath given, etc. : Since the Apostles obeyed God, they had the gift of 
the Holy Spirit, whereas the disobedient Sanhedrin had not. (33) Cut to the 
heart : Literally, " sawn asunder," a word which forcibly describes them as convulsed 
with passion. Were minded (A. V., " took counsel ") : Were in such fury that they 
wanted to slay them. (40) Beat (A. V., " beaten ") them : That is, scourged them 
upon the naked back with whips or lashes into which, very likely, pieces of bone or 
iron had been braided. The punishment, in this case, was inflicted because the 
Apostles had not obeyed the council. (41) For the (A. V., " his " ) Name : That 
is, the name which was "above every name" (Phil. 2:9), and which stands for that 
Saviour whom it was the supreme joy of the Apostles to make known by word and 
deed. 

Lesson 8. Peter and John in Samaria. 

The Evangelization of Samaria. Acts 8:1-13. (1) On that day: 

A more exact translation than the A. V., " at that time." It shows that after the mob 
had stoned Stephen they immediately returned to the city and attacked other believers. 
All : Perhaps not all, literally, but the greater part. Except the apostles : Who, 
for reasons not given, thought best to stay in Jerusalem, even at the risk of their lives. 
(2) Devout men : Not Christians, but pious Jews who admired Stephen. (5) 
Philip: One of the Seven (6:5). Philip, the Apostle, remained with the Twelve in 
Jerusalem. The city of Samaria : The Old Testament city so named had been 
rebuilt by Herod and named Sebaste. Some ancient MSS. read "a city of Samaria," 
and, as Samaria in New Testament usage elsewhere refers to the country so named, 
and not to the city, there is reason to believe that the same holds good in the present 
case also. Proclaimed (A. V., " preached ") . . . Christ : That is, the promised 
Messiah for whose advent the Samaritans also looked (comp. Jo. 4:25). Jesus of 
Nazareth, whom Philip preached (see vs. 12), had proved Himself to be this expected 
Messiah. (9) Simon : He is commonly known as Simon Magus from magos, the 
Greek word for magician or sorcerer. Sorcery : Or magic. The practice of arts 
supposed to be supernatural; probably accomplished by mechanical dexterity, or by 
some unusual knowledge of what we now call physics and chemistry. (10) That 
power of God . . . called Great (A. V., " the great power of God ") : That is, 
the creative power of God, a part of the essential being of God. Simon is said by 
Jerome to have called himself the Paraclete, the Omnipotent. He is also said by 
Justin to have taken about with him a woman whom he represented as an incarnation 
of the Wisdom and Thought of God. (13) Simon . , , believed : As appears 



Appendix : Notes on Lesson Q. 

afterwards, Simon was simply " wonder-struck" by Philip's miracles. His belief evi- 
dently seemed sincere, for he was baptized, but it did not change his heart. It was at 
the most a mere intellectual assent to what Philip said {comp. Jas. 2 : 14, 19). 

The Visit of Peter and John to Samaria. Acts 8: 14-25. (14) When 
the apostles . . . heard that Samaria, etc. : The Jewish enmity to the Samari- 
tans was dissipated in the Apostles by the news that Samaria had received the Gospel. 
Preaching there was in obedience to the Lord's command (Acts 1:8). Sent unto 
Peter and John: The most eminent of the Apostles in Jerusalem. The fact that 
Peter was " sent " by the Apostles indicates the absence of official primacy on his part. 
This is the last mention of John in the Acts. (15) Prayed for them : The bestow- 
ment of the Holy Spirit was not a prerogative of the Apostles. They could only pray 
that the risen Christ, with the Father, would send Him (Jo. 14:26; 16:7). Receive 
the Holy Ghost: His converting influence had already been experienced; the 
Apostles prayed apparently for the outward, visible signs of His presence, such as the 
gifts of tongues and of working miracles. It was the power to impart these gifts that 
Simon wished to buy. (16) Baptized into (A. V., " in ") the name, etc.: That 
is, as a profession of obedience and loyal service to the person and cause of Jesus 
Christ. (17) Laid . . . hands on them : A symbolical act of frequent use both 
in the Old Testament and the New. In this and other instances the Apostles were 
made the human instruments through whom the Holy Spirit was conveyed to the con- 
verts. In these He revealed Himself as a Source of supernatural power. (18) Of- 
fered them money : Simon manifestly regarded Philip and the Apostles as sorcerers, 
like himself, only having a far greater power over the spirits than he himself possessed. 
He was anxious to possess himself of their knowledge and power in order that he 
might turn it to pecuniary gain. His utter spiritual blindness prevented him from 
discerning the difference between divine truth and falsehood — the power of God that 
makes for righteousness, — and base juggleries practiced for personal enrichment. 
This act of Simon's originated the English word " simony," which denotes the buying 
or selling of position or office in the church. (20) Thy silver (A. V., "money"), 
etc. : Not a sentence of destruction, but a warning, " as if he should have said, Thou 
art worthy to perish with thy money, when thou dost so blaspheme the Spirit of God." 
— Calvin. ^21) Heart is not right : Not straightforward, honest, but crooked, 
hypocritical. (22 J Pray the Lord (A. V., " pray God ") : Who alone could forgive 
the sin. Peter did not assume authority to bind it or to loose it (Mt. 16: 19). If 
perhaps : A doubt whether so flagrant a sin against the Holy Spirit could be forgiven 
(Mt. 12 : 31) . (23) Gall of bitterness : In a state of bitter enmity toward divine 
truth. (24) Pray . . . upon me : Simon's answer shows no sense of sin, no need 
of repentance, no fear of God, but only a cringing terror lest the destruction of which 
Peter had spoken (vs. 20) might overtake him. (25) Preached the gospel, etc.: 
Peter and John made a missionary journey through the country. But compare John's 
attitude toward these Samaritan villages now, and that described in Lu. 9 : 54. 



Lesson 9. The Conversion of Saul. 

Remark 4. — As a matter of convenience the Explanatory Notes in the passages 
under the first topic of this lesson are presented in the order of their occurrence in the 
New Testament, rather than as they occur in the questions. 

Saul's Life before his Conversion. Scattered References. (Acts 8:1) 
Saul . . . consenting : In 26 : 10 he says that he gave his " vote " against those who 
were put to death. Possibly this may mean his vote as a member of the Sanhedrin ; 
if so, he must have been then at least thirty years of age, or " a young man," as stated 
in 7 : 58. (Acts 8 : 3) Laid waste (A. V., " made havock of") the church : The 
fury of this persecution, in which Saul was a leader, is repeatedly referred to by him- 
self with shame ; that not only imprisonment and other indignities (see below, on Acts 
26:11) were inflicted upon the believers, but even death, is clear from his own state- 
ment (26: 10). Haling: Hauling, dragging forth those who had been secreted by 
friends. (Acts 9:1) Breathing . . . slaughter: He lived in an atmosphere of 
bloodshed. Went unto the high priest, etc. : The persecution in Jerusalem had 
probably spent its strength for lack of further material, but the rabid zeal of the chief 
persecutor was not satisfied. The commission to go to Damascus was not laid on 

xi 



Appendix : Notes on Lesson Q. 

him, but sought by him. (Acts 9 : 2) Letters to Damascus : Thousands of 
Jews resided there and among them the Gospel had made some progress, prob- 
ably through teachers from Jerusalem. The civil jurisdiction of the Sanhedrin was 
restricted to Judea, but in a sense its authority was recognized by the Jews throughout 
the world, and hence Saul armed himself with letters from it. The (A. V., " this " ) 
Way : An early name for the Christian religion (Acts 19 : 9 ; 22 : 4 ; 24 : 22) , sug- 
gested perhaps by the words, " I am the way," etc. (Jo. 14:6). (Acts 18:3) Of 
the same trade (A. V., " craft "), etc.: Tentmaking was a common occupation in 
Tarsus. This trade Saul had doubtless learned in his boyhood, as the law required 
that every boy should be taught a useful trade. How serviceable it became to him is 
shown here, as well as in 20 : 33-35 and 1 Thes. 2 : 9. (Acts 22 : 3) Tarsus : See 
B. D. The Hellenistic Jews were as a rule more liberal than their brethren in Palestine. 
Lest this fact should prejudice Paul before the Sanhedrin he hastened to add the fact 
that he had been trained in Jerusalem at the feet of the revered Gamaliel, and in the 
strictest manner of the Jews. This training accounts, in part, for the intensity of his 
Jewish zeal. (Acts 22 : 4, 5) Unto the death : See above on 8 : 3 and 9 : 2. 
(Acts 22 : 25-28) A Roman : Saul's Roman citizenship, which was inherited 
from his father, " placed him among the aristocracy of any provincial town . . . [and] 
may be taken as proof that his family was one of distinction and at least moderate 
wealth." — Ra?nsay. How his father obtained this privilege is not known. (Acts 
23 : 6) A Pharisee : See B. D. Saul belonged to this strict religious sect not merely 
from personal choice, but by birth. Its principles and practices he made his own with 
a public zeal and energy that distanced all competitors, and made him a leader in the 
fanatical efforts of the Jews to destroy the church. (Acts 26 : 9, 10) I verily 
thought with myself, etc. : The principles advocated by Stephen were regarded 
by Saul as subversive of the Jewish faith and dishonoring to God. His natural tem- 
perament at once threw him into the bloody work of suppressing them. In this work 
he conscientiously believed that he was doing God the greatest possible service. 
(Acts 26:10) Vote (A. V., "voice"): See above on 8:1. (Acts 26:11) 
Blaspheme : To deny and revile Jesus. (Gal. 1 : 14) Beyond (A. V., " above ") 
many : See above on Acts 23 : 6. (Phil. 3 : 6) Blameless : In the sense that he 
obeyed with the most painstaking exactness every minute requirement of the Jewish 
law, thereby establishing a legal righteousness which from a Jewish point of view was 
perfect, but which, as he afterwards learned, was utterly worthless. 

The Conversion of Saul. Acts 9 : 3-9. (3) Suddenly ... a light out 

of (A. V., " from ") heaven : " At midday " (Acts 26 : 13), when the light of the sun 
was brightest and when the heat would have inclined other travelers to interrupt the 
journey. (5) I am Jesus : That this was a personal appearance of Jesus to Saul is 
certified by the three facts that upon its reality he founded his whole subsequent reli- 
gious faith and based his claim to the full rank of an Apostle ; that this vision enabled 
him to testify with immovable confidence to the resurrection of Christ and His exalta- 
tion to the right hand of God; and that he reckoned this vision as the last of Christ's 
appearances after His resurrection (1 Cor. 15 : 8). It is hard, etc. : Not in the R. V. 
This part of vs. 5 in the A. V. has been transferred from 26 : 14, where it is genuine. 

(6) And he ... to do : Omitted from the R. V., in accordance with the best MSS. 

(7) Stood speechless : While Saul remained prostrate, the others probably rose 
up at once after their fall {see 26 : 14) . Hearing the (A. V., " a ") voice : Probably 
they heard a sound but did not distinguish the words spoken; comp. 22:9, "they 
heard not the voice of him that spake," that is, did not understand what He said. 
These differences are of trifling importance. 

The Ministration of Ananias to Saul. Acts 9:10-19a. (11) The 
street . . . called Straight : The main thoroughfare of the city, a mile long, run- 
ning in a direct line from the eastern to the western gate. (15) A chosen vessel : 

Literally, " a vessel of election, or choice." The figure is that of clay in a potter's 
hand which he molds into whatever form he chooses. The accounts given by Paul 
himself (chs. 22, 26) present fuller particulars concerning the work to which the Lord 
now called him. It is probable that the differences in Paul's two accounts of this 
event are due in part to differences in purpose and aim in the two addresses in which 
they are found, and in part to a greater or less degree of condensation at different 
points in the narrative as a whole. 

xii 



Appendix : Notes on Lesson 10. 

Lesson 10. Peter's Vision at Joppa. 

Peter's Miracles. Acts 9: 32-43. (32) As Peter went (A. V.," passed"), 
etc. : The preceding verse states that the church in Palestine enjoyed a season of peace 
and growth after the persecution had subsided. This was probably not because of any 
diminished hatred on the part of the Jews, but because they were too busy in the 
attempt to ward off from themselves indignities threatened by the R-.r.an Emperor, 
Cains Caligula (A.I). 37-41). Saints* Not churches. Peter's tour may have been 
for the purpose of organizing believers into churches wherever they existed in suffi- 
cient numbers. This term is always applied in the New Testament to believers in 
general. It emphasized the fact that they had been called out of the world to become 
partakers, through holiness, of the kingdom of God. (36) Tabitha : Aramaic for 
Greek " Dorcas," meaning " a gazelle." (43) With one Simon a tanner : The 
Jews regarded this occupation as unclean, and would not associate with those engaged 
in it ; it was confined to the very poor. That Peter abode with a tanner probably indi- 
cates not only the circumstances of the disciples at Joppa, but that under the power of 
the Gospel Peter was already beginning to surmount his Jewish prejudices. This sec- 
tion about Peter's miracles at Lydda and Joppa seems to be introduced partly to show 
that the Gospel had lost none of its power by its diffusion from Jerusalem, and partly 
as a preparation for the following narrative. 

Peter Instructed to Preach to the Gentiles. Acts 10:1-23.2. (1) 
Centurion : The commander of one hundred men in the Roman army. The 
Italian band: A band, or "cohort," of soldiers, originally recruited in Italy. 
(2) One that feared God: Although still an uncircumcised Gentile, and not a 
proselyte {comp. vss. 28, 34 ; 11 : 1), Cornelius had learned to worship Jehovah. His 
conversion was an epoch-making event because he was the first direct Gentile convert. 
Gave much alms: That is, to the Jewish people among whom he was stationed. 
Such charity toward the jews by a Roman was very rare {comp. Lu. 7:5). The high 
personal and religious character of Cornelius, as here portrayed, peculiarly fitted him 
to become the first convert received directly from the Gentiles into the Christian church, 
as it tended to soften the shock to Jewish prejudices. The intensest bigotry could not 
say a word against him. (4) Thy prayers: Representing the inward life in its 
relation to God. Thine alms : Representing the outward life in its relation to men. 
Prayers and alms thus combined, though not constituting the entire life which God de- 
mands, may represent it. (o) Fetch (A. V., " call for " ) one Simon : In view of 
the well-known attitude of the Jews toward the Gentiles, Cornelius would under no 
circumstances have presumed to invite one of the former into his house, unless he had 
received divine direction. (6) Simon a tanner : This specification of his trade 
seems to be given not merely as a help in finding him, but as a suggestion to Cornelius 
that one who lived with a tanner could not be a very strict Jew, and might be the more 
easily approached. (9) Upon the housetop : The flat roofs were often used as 
places of prayer ; they were surrounded by a low wall. Sixth hour : About noon. 

(10) A trance : A rapt condition, in which one, though awake, loses consciousness 
of external objects, and seems to have passed into another state of being — an ecstasy. 

(11) Let down by four corners : Not " knit at the four corners," as in the A. V. 
(14) Not so, Lord, etc.: This impulsive remonstrance is quite in harmony with 
Peter's character {comp. Mt. 16:22; Jo. 13:8). It is not strange, however, that he 
shrank from the thought of eating animals regarded by all Jews as unclean and 
defiling {comp. Lev. 11:4-8, 10-20, 41-43, 46, 47). (15) What God . . . com- 
mon: Compare Christ's words (Mk. 7:14-23). (16) Done thrice: That is, the 
command and the rebuke were thrice repeated. The sheet was let down only once, 
and after the third command was received up into heaven. The vision taught Peter 
that in relation to the kingdom of God all men stood on the same plane. The com- 
mand to eat showed that " the very question to be settled was a social one, a question 
about eating. Equality is expressed nowhere so cleanly as at the table. Peter and 
Cornelius were soon to sup at the same board. And the vision asks him to eat where 
clean and unclean are mingled."— Stifier. (19) The Spirit_said : Because, for 
such an enterprise as that on which Peter was to set out, he needed the clearest divine 
guidance. (20) I have sent them : Not merely Cornelius. This entire series of 
events was under providential direction. God was accomplishing His purpose through 

xiii 



Appendix ; Notes on Lesson II. 

Cornelius. (22) A holy angel : An additional suggestion that it was not defiling 
to befriend a Gentile. (23) Lodged them : Not merely an act of courteous hospi- 
tality, but an indication how fast Peter's Jewish dread of contact with Gentiles was 
fading away in the light of this new revelation. 



Lesson 11. Peter Opening the Door to the Gentiles. 

Peter Opening the Door. Acts 10 : 233-48. (25) Worshipped him : 

Showed him reverence as a messenger of God. That this reverence partook too much 
of the nature of divine homage is clear from Peter's reply. (26) I myself ... a 
man : Not a divine being, nor any longer in his own estimate exalted as a Jew above 
other nations. As a result of the vision in Joppa he now places himself side by side 
with Cornelius on the common plane of humanity. (28) Unlawful: That is, not 
allowable, contrary to custom. There was no explicit Old Testament law against it. 
The custom of the Jews to avoid all social intercourse with Gentiles as polluting was 
due to rabbinical regulations based on the fact that Israel was a chosen and separate 
people. (34) God is no respecter of persons : Comp. Rom. 2:11; Eph. 6:9; 
Col. 3 : 25, etc. God does not discriminate against men on account of race, color, 
nationality, ignorance, or poverty. He looks at the heart, and therefore the prayers and 
alms of a devout heathen, groping after God amidst much darkness and error, are accept- 
able to Him according to their true value as expressions of right purpose. Peter did not 
imply that all religions are of equal value, if only a man is sincere, because he was 
not talking of the " ability of men to become saved without Christ, but of their ability 
under God to become Christians." — Meyer. (36-38) The word, etc. : The con- 
struction of these verses is difficult though the sense is apparent. The easiest solution 
is to take the words " ye yourselves know " as governing (a) " the word " of prophecy 
(vs. 36), {b) " the saying," or report concerning the ministries of Jesus and of John 
(vs. 37), and (c) "Jesus of Nazareth," sent of God (vs. 38). This Jesus was God's 
" anointed," that is, the Messiah or Christ. (40) Him God raised up : This 
fact and its relation to the forgiveness of sins were not known to Cornelius and his 
company. The forgiveness of sins through this risen Christ was the Gospel which 
Peter was sent to preach. (44) While Peter yet spake : According to 11 : 15, he 
had just begun. The Holy Ghost fell on all: This " Pentecost of the Gentiles" 
was attended by miraculous phenomena, as well as the previous Pentecost of the Jews. 
(47) Can any man forbid the water : The water baptism was the outward sign 
of the inward grace. Since the latter had been indisputably bestowed by God Himself, 
how could any one refuse the former? This question was addressed to the Jewish 
brethren who accompanied Peter. That baptism is a sign, and not a saving ordinance, 
is proved by the fact that Cornelius and his company were in a state of salvation before 
baptism. This fact did not, however, entitle them to set aside the Lord's command. 

Peter's Defense. Acts 11: 1-18. (1) The apostles . . . heard, etc. : The 

news of the occurrences at Caesarea reached Jerusalem before Peter and his com- 
panions had returned, and occasioned many misgivings as to the propriety of Peter's 
action. The Apostles would have welcomed non-Israelites into the church, as the 
Jews welcomed proselytes, and on the same terms. The question was not at all as to 
the propriety of preaching the Gospel to the Gentiles, but as to the condition on which 
they were to be admitted to the church. (2) They ... of the circumcision : 
That is, the Jewish Christians. So far, no Gentiles except Jewish proselytes had been 
admitted to the church. Contended : The feeling was undoubtedly very strong ; it 
had required a vision from heaven to make Peter willing to fellowship the Gentiles on 
terms of social equality. (3) Didst eat with them : This was very offensive to 
the strict Jews. Rabbi Eliezar said, " He who eats with an uncircumcised person 
eats, as it were, with a dog." (12) Making no distinction (A. V., "nothing 
doubting") : " If God made the Gentile equal with the Jew in his favor, would not 
Peter have denied the divinely given equality if he had refused the hospitality of Cor- 
nelius? It was but loyalty to God to eat under his roof." — Stifler. (16) Remem- 
bered, etc. : Not doubtless for the first time, but the word now came to Peter with a 
new meaning. He saw that the " ye " in the promise included Gentiles as well as Jews. 
(17) Withstand God : To admit the Gentiles to social equality with the Jews by 

xiv 



Appendix : Notes on Lesson 12. 

eating with them seemed to pious Jews nothing short of annulling God's covenant 
with Abraham ; and yet to have refused to eat with them under these circumstances 
would have been a flagrant resistance to the lesson conveyed by the vision at Joppa 
and to the Spirit's command. (18) Held their peace : For a time; but later their 
prejudices broke out in a conflict which for many years endangered the very existence 
of the church. 



Lesson 12. Peter's Deliverance from Prison. 

Peter's Miraculous Release. Acts 12:1-11. (1) About that time: 

Apparently about the time when relief was sent from Antioch by Barnabas and Saul 
(11:29,30); probably earlier rather than later. Put (A. V., "stretched") forth 
. . . church: Herod Agrippa I had obtained very great power. He was anxious to 
win the favor of the Jews, and therefore began to persecute the Christians. (2) 
Killed James: See B. D., "James (1)." The Jewish rulers had no authority to 
inflict punishment (Jo. 18 : 31) ; Agrippa had this power because he represented the 
emperor of Rome. Stephen was not executed under due process of law, but by a mob. 
With the sword: Stephen, who was put to death for blasphemy, was, according to 
Jewish customs, stoned ; James, like John the Baptist, who was put to death by the 
civil ruler, was decapitated. (3) Peter also : This reveals Agrippa's purpose to 
strike down the leaders in the church. The days of unleavened bread : That is, 
the feast of the Passover. The feast lasted an entire week, during which time Peter 
was kept closely guarded in prison. (4) Quaternions : Bands of four men each. 
The extraordinary precautions taken lest Peter should escape may have been due to a 
remembrance of the former mysterious escape of the Apostles from the hands of the 
Jewish rulers (Acts 5 : 17-23). The Passover: The translation "Easter" in the 
A. V. gives a wrong impression, since it introduces into a distinctly Jewish feast a later 
Christian idea. To bring him forth : That is, for sentence and execution, that the 
people might thereby witness the king's zeal against the enemies of their religion. (5) 
Kept in the prison : So that the sanctity of the Passover week might not be defiled 
by an execution. But prayer, etc. : The spiritual force of the church is here arrayed 
against the material power of the state. (8) Gird thyself: The common under- 
garment was a sleeveless shirt or tunic reaching to the knees. This was gathered about 
the waist with a girdle. Thy garment : This was the heavier outer cloak, thrown 
over the tunic, and, with the sandals, completing the ordinary Jewish costume. 

The Prayer of the Church. Acts 12: 12-19. (12) House of Mary: 

Located perhaps in some retired part of the city where the disciples could meet for 
worship without attracting undue attention. This Mary is distinguished from the other 
Marys of the New Testament as the mother of John Mark, John being his Hebrew 
name and Mark his Roman surname (see B. D., " Mark"). (13) The door of the 
gate : The small door or wicket in one of the heavy wooden gates that opened into 
the courtyard. (15) 3Iad : Insane, not in her right mind. It is his angel: "It 
was a common belief among the Jews that every individual has a guardian angel, and 
that this angel may assume a visible appearance resembling that of the person whose 
destiny is committed to him." — Lightfoot {cot??p. Mt. 18 : 10). " It is obvious that the 
record of the casual utterance of such a belief cannot be taken as an authoritative 
sanction of it." — Plurnptre. (16) Were amazed (A. V., "astonished"): What 
was the object of the prayer in Peter's behalf (vs. 5) ? Was it his deliverance from the 
power of Herod, as before from the Jewish rulers? If so, their surprise at his release 
shows small faith. If, on the contrary, they were praying for sustaining grace in what 
seemed to be his inevitable martyrdom, then their surprise was due to the unexpected 
way in which God answered their prayer. The former is the common view. (17) 
Beckoning . . . with the hand : " To make no noise that might attract attention 
and betray his presence." — Ramsay. The assembled company were boisterous in their 
joy at seeing Peter again. Unto James, and to the brethren : To relieve their 
anxiety; there must have been many groups of believers assembled here and there in 
the city, and engaged in earnest prayer for Peter. Went to (A. V., " into ") another 
place : At this point Peter disappears from the history until some years later, when he 
i.-> found at the council in Jerusalem (ch. 15). Of his movements in the meantime 
nothing is known. 

XV 



Appendix : Notes on Lesson 14. 

Lesson 14. The Training of Saul. 

Remark 5. — The Retirement into Arabia, Acts 9: 19^-25; Gal. 1: 17, 18. 
(/) Its Time. — Three Views are held as to the relation between Saul's work in 
Damascus and his retirement into Arabia : (a) That this retirement should be inserted 
after the ?ninistry spoken of in Acts g : igb-25. But then his return to Damascus 
would have taken place in the face of a deadly hatred that had just driven him away ; 
and his work in Damascus, if it had covered the greater part of three years, could not 
have been unknown (vs. 26) to the church in Jerusalem, {b) That the retirement 
should be inserted between vss.jg and 20. This view holds that he did not preach at 
all before going into Arabia, but that the effect of his undisturbed meditation there 
was seen in the power of his preaching (vss. 20-22) when he returned. This view is 
plausible, but seems to be contradicted by Luke's narrative, (c) That the retirement 
Should be inserted between vss. 22 and 23. If he remained in Arabia nearly three years 
(Note 23 (1) ; Gal. 1 : 18), this may explain the " many days " in Acts 9 : 23, and the 
fact that, as a disciple, he was practically unknown at Jerusalem. This is the view of 
many leading scholars, and is adopted in these lessons. 

(2) The Reasons for the Retirement. — This sojourn seems to belong rather to Saul's 
inner life than to his outward activity, and this may account for Luke's failure to men- 
tion it. Like Moses, Elijah, John the Baptist, and even Christ, he needed seclusion as 
a preparation for his future work. The revelation to Saul that Jesus of Nazareth was 
risen from the dead, and was indeed the Son of God, the long-predicted Messiah, was 
twofold in character — external (Acts 9 : 3 ff. ; 1 Cor. 9:1; 15:8), and internal (Gal. 
1 : 16). It contained the fundamental truths and determined the essential character of 
the Gospel afterwards preached by him (Gal. 1 : 12). Its immediate effect upon Saul 
was to destroy his whole past religious life. But a new life, a new interpretation of 
the Scriptures, a new righteousness resting on a new foundation, could not be con- 
structed in a moment. Saul therefore required time to secure, under the guidance of 
the Spirit, that marvelous grasp of Christian truth which marked his subsequent 
ministry. It seems probable that this was his special work during this period of retire- 
ment. Here, too, he possibly received that direct training from the Lord which made 
him independent of instruction from the other Apostles. 

Remark 6. — As a matter of convenience the Explanatory Notes in the passages 
under the topics of this lesson are presented in the order of their occurrence in the 
New Testament rather than as they occur in the questions. 

Saul in Damascus and Arabia. Acts 9 : 19^-25, etc. (Acts 9 : 19<5) 
Certain days : Implies a brief stay in Damascus after his conversion, perhaps a 
week or two. (Acts 9: 20) Proclaimed Jesus (A. V., " preached Christ ") : His 
preaching rested on the revelation made to him of the risen Jesus as the Son of God. 
Son of God: This was a Jewish title of the Messiah, but owing to the revelation on 
the way to Damascus, this title now meant far more to Saul than it did to his country- 
men. (Acts 9 : 22) Christ : None other than the Messiah whom the prophets had 
predicted, and whom the Jews expected, but whom in their blindness they had cru- 
cified. (Acts 9:23) Many days: Expanded in Gal. 1 : 18, into "three years." 
(Acts 9: 25) But his (A. V., "then the") disciples: Converts made by him in 
Damascus. (Gal. 1 : 16) Immediately, etc. : This, as well as the " certain days," 
above, seems inconsistent with the theory of a protracted ministry in Damascus at this 
time. (Gal. 1 : 17) Into Arabia : What part of Arabia is not known. 

Saul in Jerusalem, Syria and Cilicia. Acts 9 : 26-30, etc. (Acts 9 : 
26) When he (A. V., " Saul ") was come to Jerusalem : His suspicious recep- 
tion proves that this visit was the first after his conversion ; the same one spoken of in 
Gal. 1: 18. Afraid of him: Because they had not heard of his recent work in 
Damascus. (Acts 9 : 27) Barnabas: Probably he had been in Damascus, where 
he had witnessed Saul's work. To the apostles: That is, to Peter and James 
(Gal. 1:18, 19). (Acts 9:28) Going (A. V., "coming") in and going out: 
This points to a ministry in the surrounding country as well as in Jerusalem. (Acts 
9 : 29) Boldly : Not defiantly, but with the utmost confidence and conviction. 
Grecian Jews (A. V., "Grecians") : See B. D. (Acts 11 :25) To Tarsus to 
seek for Saul: Tarsus had probably been the center from which Saul had ex- 

XVI 



Appendix : Notes on Lesson ij. 

tended his work into Syria and Cilicia (see Note 23 (6)). Barnabas saw the need of 
a helper possessed of large culture and broad sympathies. There was only one man 
in the Christian church who had these qualifications, Saul of Tarsus, and to him 
Barnabas turned for aid. (Acts 11:26) Christians: The Hebrew term "Mes- 
siah," the "Anointed," was translated into the Greek " Christos," and to this was 
appended a Latin termination, thus giving the term " Christianos," or Christian. This 
name was doubtless applied by the unconverted Gentiles, and was perhaps used first 
in reproach or ridicule. The Jews called the disciples in contempt " Nazarenes," 
while they called one another "brethren," " saints," or " disciples." (Acts 11 : 28) A 
great famine (A. V., "dearth"): This famine began in A.D. 44, and was felt 
severely throughout Syria and Palestine. (Acts 11 : 29) Every man . . . abil- 
ity : Literally, "in proportion as anyone was prospered." (Acts 11:30) Saul: 
This was his second visit to Jerusalem, after his conversion. (Acts 12 : 25) Mark.: 
A cousin of Barnabas, and author of the Gospel of Mark (see B. D.). 

Remark 7. — The Vision in Acts 22:17-21. This vision is commonly con- 
nected with the close of Paul's first visit to Jerusalem after his flight from Damascus. 
This is probably correct, although the reasons which lead others to connect it with 
Paul's second visit to Jerusalem (Acts 11:27, 30) are not without weight. On the 
former hypothesis the command in Acts 22 : 21, " Depart : fori will send thee forth 
far hence unto the Gentiles," would not have been fulfilled until five or six years later; 
on the latter hypothesis the command would have received immediate fulfillment on 
the return of Barnabas and Saul to Antioch (Acts 13 : 1-3). See Ramsay, St. Paul the 
Traveller, pp. 60-64. 

(Acts 22 : 18) 3Iake "haste, etc. : Suggests that Saul in spite of danger was 
eager to continue his work in Jerusalem. (Acts 22 : 19) I said, etc. : Saul thought 
it incredible that such testimony as his would not be received. (Gal. 1 : 22) Un- 
known by face : The abrupt termination of Saul's stay in Jerusalem prevented 
his personal acquaintance with the church in Judea outside of that city. (Gal. 1: 
23) Dut they : That is, these churches with which he did not come into personal 
contact. 



Lesson 15. Paul in Cyprus and in Antioch of Pisidia. 

Barnabas and Saul Sent Forth, etc. Acts 13:1-12. (1) Prophets: 

Those who communicated religious truth taught them by the divine Spirit. (2) As 
they ministered . . . and fasted : Possibly they were considering their duty 
about sending the Gospel to the Gentiles. Separate me : Notice the emphasis on 
the personality and authority of the Holy Spirit. (3) Fasted and prayed : Prob- 
ably the church joined with the prophets and teachers in these observances. Laid 
their hands on them : Not +o ordain them to a new office, but as a sign of special 
appointment to the work of preaching in Gentile nations. Paul utterly repudiates hav- 
ing been made an Apostle by men (Gal. 1:1). (5) Synagogues : More than one; 
this indicates the large number of Jews there. (6) A certain sorcerer: At this 
period there were very many astrologers and fortune-tellers of various kinds who throve 
on the prevalent credulity and superstition. (7) Proconsul (A. V., " deputy of the 
country"): There were two classes of Roman provinces: (1) Imperial: That is, 
those which being supposed to require the presence of a military force were directly 
under the care of the emperor, and whose governors, called " propraetors," were 
appointed by him ; (2) senatorial : That is, the peaceful provinces which were com- 
mitted to the care of the senate, who appointed their governors under the name of 
" proconsuls." Cyprus was at this time a senatorial province. Sergius Paulus : 
Among the inscriptions exhumed in Cyprus by General Cesnola is one dated, " under 
Paulus the proconsul." (9) Paul : First called bv this name here ; for the meaning of 
the name, see B. D. (10) The right ways of the Lord : Namely, the Gospel and 
its requirements {cotnp. Hos. 14 : 9). 

The Work in Antioch of Pisidia. Acts 13:13-52. (13) Paul and his 
company : Note that hereafter Paul instead of Barnabas appears as the leader {comp. 
vs. 2 with vs. 46). To Perga : For some reason not given, but perhaps owing to an 
attack of the prevailing coast fever, Paul did not preach here at this time, as he did on 

xvii 



Appendix : Notes on Lesson 16. 

his return (Acts 14 : 25), but hurried as soon as he could into the mountainous region 
of the interior. John departed (A. V., " departing ") : Why he did this is not 
known, but evidently tor some reason not satisfactory to Paul {comp. 15 : yj, 38). * (16) 
Ye that fear God : That is, the Gentile proselytes present. (17) A high arm: 
Comp. "a stretched out arm" (Ex. 6:6). In the Egyptian hieroglyphs, Might is 
represented by two outstretched arms. (18) Suffered he their manners : That 
is, endured their rebellious and unfaithful conduct. (19) Seven nations : Named 
in Deut. 7:1. (25) Fulfilling (A. V., "fulfilled") his course: By announcing 
the Christ (Jo. 1 : 20-27). (39) By him ... of Moses : Here is Paul's doctrine 
of justification by faith in a nutshell. Faith in Jesus whom God raised from the dead 
accomplishes what a scrupulous keeping of the Mosaic law cannot accomplish. (41) 
Behold, ye despisers, etc. : The quotation is from the LXX. version of Hab. 1 : 5, 
where the prophet is referring to a threatened invasion of Israel by the Chaldeans! 
Paul is quick to see the application of the words to the Jews before him. (45) 
Jealousy (A. V., "envy"): Both because of the Apostles' success, and because 
Gentiles were inviled to share in the Messianic blessings on equal terms with Jews. 
(46) It was necessary ... to you: Because this was God's plan {comp. 3: 26). 
We turn to the Gentiles: That is, in this city, Antioch of Pisidia {comp. 18:6; 
19:9). (48) As many as were ordained (or, "appointed") to eternal life 
believed: "In what sense men are appointed by God unto eternal life is not taught 
very distinctly here, but must be gathered from a comparison with other passages." — 
Hackett. (49) Region : That district in the province of Galatia of which Antioch 
formed the military and administrative center. The results here noted would indicate 
a work extending over several months. (50) Chief men of the city : Note that 
the expulsion was by the local magistrates, and not by the provincial authorities ; hence 
the Apostles were free to goto the next town. (51) Shook . . . feet: A sign of 
disapprobation {comp. Lu. 9:5) as if the very soil of the land of such people were 
defiling. 

Lesson 16. Paul in Iconium, Lystra and Derbe. 

In Iconium. Acts 14 : 1-7. (1) A great multitude . . . believed : Noth- 
ing is said about the spread of the work into the surrounding " region," because 
Iconium was located in the administrative region of which Antioch of Pisidia was the 
center, and to which reference had already been made (13:49; see Expl. Note, 
Les. 15). Greeks : Gentiles, heathen, who spoke or understood the Greek language. 
(5) Onset (A. V., " assault ") : Rather "a hostile movement ; " the Apostles seem to 
have averted the actual attack by their sudden flight. (6) Cities of Lycaonia : 
Luke implies that in going to Lystra the Apostles crossed the border between Phrygia 
and Lycaonia. His accuracy in this is confirmed by recent researches which show 
that Iconium, contrary to former belief, was not a city of Lycaonia, but of Phrygia. 
The region round about: Lystra and Derbe were not located in the same 
"region " as Antioch and Iconium ; hence the mention of the extension of the Gospel 
in this new " region " (see above on vs. 1). 

In Lystra and Derbe. Acts 14 : 8-2Lz. (9) Faith to be made whole 

(A. V., "healed") : That is, such faith as made it fitting that he should be healed 
{comp. Mt. 9:28, 29). (11) In the speech of Lycaonia : Spoken not by the 
educated Roman settlers at Lystra, but by the superstitious natives. No trace of this 
dialect remains; evidently the Apostles did not understand it or they would have 
immediately corrected the false idea of the people regarding them. Note the bearing 
of the fact on the nature of the "gift of tongues." (12) They called Barnabas, 
Jupiter : Probably because he was the more imposing of the two in appearance ; 
Jupiter, or Zeus, was chief among the gods. And Paul . . . speaker: Mercury 
was the messenger of the gods as well as the attendant of Jupiter. In the Epistle to 
the Galatians (4:14) Paul apparently alludes to this incident when he says "ye 
received me as an angel (literally, a messenger), of God." There was an ancient 
tradition that Jupiter and Mercury had once actually visited Lycaonia in disguise. 

(13) Garlands: With which animals were decorated before they were sacrificed. 

(14) Rent their garments (A. V., " clothes ") : Tore open the outer garment 
from the neck down ; a Jewish sign of sorrow and also of horror at anything thought 

xviii 



Appendix : Notes o?i Lesson if. 

to be impious {cottip. Mt. 26 : 65). (15) These vain things (A. V., "vanities") : 
That is, idols and the gods of mythology such as Jupiter and Mercury {cottip. 1 Cor. 
8:4). (16) Suffered . . . ways: Con/p. 17:30. (17) And yet (A. V., " never- 
theless") . . . good: Even to the heathen, God gave enough knowledge of Himself 
to make them responsible {cottip. Rom. 1 : 19-21). Note that in Paul's address to the 
multitude he does not denounce their superstitions, but corrects the error into which 
they had fallen, by proclaiming the opposite truth. (20) Rose up : Not a resurrection 
from the dead, but a sudden and remarkable, perhaps miraculous, recovery from the 
injuries received. (21) Blade many disciples (A. V., " taught many"): "Their 
labors in 1 >erbe appear to have been without open opposition. Hence in 2 Tim. 3:11, 
Paul omits Derbe from the list of places associated in the mind of Timothy with the 
' persecutions and afflictions' which the Apostles had been called to endure." — 
Hackett. 

The Return to Syria. Acts 14 : 214-28. (214) They returned to 
Lystra, etc. : As there is no further reference to opposition from magistrates or 
mobs, it is likely that the former had been changed, and that the latter found no 
occasion for violence in the quiet work of the Apostles within the churches. (23) 
Klders : Those who were appointed, usually by the communities of Christians them- 
selves, to watch over the general welfare of the churches. 

Remark 8. — Duration of the First Missionary Journey. It is com- 
monly supposed that this journey lasted about three years. Granting six months for 
the tour through Cyprus, and six for the return from Derbe, we may allow four months 
for Antioch of Pisidia, eight for the " long time " in Iconium, and six each for Lystra 
and Derbe — certainly not long periods for strangers to win confidence in new 
communities, gain converts from heathenism, and establish strong and flourishing 
churches. 

Lesson 17. Peter and Paul in Jerusalem and in Antioch. 

(References arranged by books, and not in order of questions, see Remark 6.) 

The Council in Jerusalem. Acts 15:1-35; Gal. 2:1-10. (Acts 15: 

1) Except . . . saved: For this view they would cite such Scripture as Gen. 17: 
7,10,11; Is. 24:5, 6; 52 : 1, etc. The fact that the Judaizers seemed to have the 
Scriptures on their side made it hard to answer them. (3) The brethren : The 
Christians scattered through Phoenicia and Samaria. (7) That by my mouth, 
etc. : A reference to the conversion of Cornelius about ten years before. (8) Giv- 
ing them the Holy Ghost : See 10 : 44-47 ; 11:17. This had been the conclusive 
proof to Peter that God intended to receive the uncircumcised Gentiles on equal terms 
with the Jews. (10) Why tempt (Am. Rev., "try") ye God: By denying the 
conclusion that must be drawn from God's act in pouring out the Holy Spirit on the 
Gentiles. A yoke ... to bear : Peter's argument laid stress on three points : {a) 
That the gift of the Holy Spirit to Gentiles had established the fact that there was 
no difference in God's sight between them and the Jews ; {b) that it would be cruel to 
demand that the Gentiles should submit to the law whose yoke the Jews themselves 
had never been able to bear; and {c) that the Jews as well as the Gentiles had to be- 
lieve in order to be saved, that is, that in this respect Jews had to become as Gen- 
tiles, so that it was clearly unnecessary to ask the Gentiles to become as the Jews. 
(12) Rehearsing (A. V.," declaring") . . . by them: Barnabas and Paul seem 
to have taken no part in the public discussion, but to have contented themselves with 
a simple recital of facts regarding the conversion of the Gentiles. (13) James 
answered! He appears to have been the presiding officer, or moderator ; Luke 
gives James's words as the closing opinion and summing up of the discussion. (14) 
Symeon (A. V., " Simeon") : The Jewish form of the name Simon, the original 
name of the Apostle Peter. For his name : That is, to bear his name. (16, 17) 
After these things (A, V.," this"), etc.: The prophecy as quoted by James is a 
loose paraphrase of the Septuagint rather than an accurate rendering of the Hebrew 
text. The Pharisees had been silenced but not convinced by Peter's argument. James 
therefore showed that the Scriptures which had been quoted were indeed relevant to 
the times in which they were written, but not in the Messianic period when the Holy 

xix 



Appendix : Notes on Lesson 18. 

Spirit had annulled the distinction between Jews and Gentiles, and when " the taber- 
nacle of David," the new kingdom of God, was to be built up from a people chosen 
out of " all Gentiles." (20) Pollutions of idols : That is, " things sacrificed (A. 
V., " meats offered ") to idols " (vs. 29) , referring to the portions of meat left over from 
idol sacrifices. The Jews had such horror of idolatry that they considered it sinful 
to touch anything connected with idol worship. Fornication : The specification of 
a gross immorality, alongside of mere ceremonial regulations has induced many inter- 
preters to reject the common meaning of the word, and to hold that the reference 
here is to marriage within certain degrees of relationship, which were allowed among 
the Gentiles, but were forbidden among the Jews. What is (A.V., "things") 
strangled: The Jews were forbidden to eat flesh until the blood had been poured 
out (Lev. 17 : 13, 14 ; Deut. 12 : 16, 23) ; a strangled animal contained the blood. 
(21) For Moses, etc. : Since there were Jewish communities in almost all Gentile 
cities, it was very desirable that Christianity should not be made offensive in their sight 
by practices on the part of Gentile Christians so abhorrent to Jews as those named. 
(24) Gave no (A. V., "no such") commandment: The disclaimer on the part 
of the church is presumptive evidence that these zealots had claimed to represent the 
church. (28) Jt seemed . . .tons: The members of the council were conscious 
of having been directed by the Holy Spirit. (34) This verse is not in the oldest 
MSS. and versions, and is therefore omitted in the R. V. 

(Gal. 2:1) After . . . fourteen years: Probably to be reckoned from the 
time of Paul's visit mentioned in the preceding chapter, rather than from the time of 
his conversion. Again to Jerusalem : This is the second visit mentioned in Gala- 
tians. It is probably identical with the third one mentioned in Acts, which is the sub- 
ject of this lesson. For it is much more likely that Paul did not mention all his visits 
in the Epistle than that he should have made two visits so nearly alike in purpose and 
circumstances. Taking (A. V., ''took") Titus : As a representative of the Gentile 
converts. He is included in the " certain other " of Acts 15 : 2. (2) By revela- 
tion: Not inconsistent with Luke's statement that he was sent by the church; the 
former was the inward, the latter the outward, call to the mission. Privately : "-St. 
Paul mentions ... the private history which led to the public transactions." — Light- 
foot. (7) When they saw, etc. : This recognition of Paul's work by the Apostles 
in Jerusalem seems to have been very pleasing to him. It shows that they, at least, 
did not sympathize with the extreme Dosition of the Judaizers. (9) James and 
Cephas and John . . . fellowship : The giving of the right hand of fellowship 
to Paul by these three Apostles implies their cordial approval of his work. In this 
kindly and solemn scene the Three Great Apostles appear together for the first and 
only time in New Testament record. 



Lesson 18. Paul in Troas and Philippi. 

The Second Missionary Journey Begun. Acts 15:36—16:12. (Acts 
15 : 38) Who withdrew (A. V., " departed ") : The reasons for Mark's withdrawal at 
that time are not known (see Expl. Note on 13 : 13) ; he afterwards became a companion 
of Paul (Col. 4: 10, n; 2 Tim. 4: 11). (Acts 15 : 39) A sharp contention : But 
amicably settled by each taking a portion of territory covered by the first journey. 
(Acts 15 : 40) Chose Silas : In place of Barnabas, not of Mark. (Acts 16 : 1) 
There: At Lvstra, where Paul had preached about four years earlier (14:8-20.) 
(Acts 16: 3) Circumcised him because of the Jews: The Jews would not 
have listenedto Timothy if he, the son of a Jewish mother (Acts 16: 1), and hence in 
their thought a Jew, had not submitted to the Jewish rite. But Paul would not allow 
the circumcision of Titus (Gal. 2:3-5) because he was a Gentile, and could not be 
circumcised except in violation of the fundamental principle that Jewish rites were not 
necessary in order to enter the kingdom of Christ (see 1 Cor. 9 : 20, 21). (Acts 16 : 
4) The cities: Iconium, Antioch of Pisidia, and other towns and villages in that 
region. The decrees : See 15 : 28, 29. (Acts 16 : 6) The region of Phrygia 
and Galatia (A. V., " Phrygia and the region of Galatia") : Literally, " the Phrygian 
and Galatian region," that is, a region which might be called either Phrygian from the 
local name of the district, or Galatian, from the Roman name of the province ; or else 
a region on the border of the Phrygian and Galatian districts. (Acts 16: 7) lne 



Appendix : Notes on Lesson 18. 



Spirit of Jesus : The Holy Spirit. The A. V. omits the words " of Jesus." (Acts 
16 : 10) We sought (A. V., " endeavoured ") : The change to the first person indi- 
cates that the writer. Luke, joined Paul at Troas. (Acts 16:12) Philippi : See 
13. D., " Colony," and " Philippi." 

Remark 9. — Paul's Route from Antioch of Pisidia to Troas. (i) 
Until quite recently it has been generally held that when Paul" went through the region 
of Phrvgia and Galatia " (Acts i6:6),he made a detour of 600-700 miles into the 
chief settlements of the Gauls in Galatia proper (see B. D., " Galatia"), as shown on 
the accompanying map. The reasons for this view are (a) the assumption that " the 
churches of Galatia" (Gal. 1:2) must have been in Galatia proper, rather than in 
some other part of the much larger Roman province of Galatia; and (!>) that as the 
first journey did not extend into Galatia proper, and as the Galatian churches were 
visited at the beginning of the third journey (Acts 18:23), tne y must nave been 
planted on the second journey, at the time above referred to (Acts 16:6). 



BITHYNIA J 

'*« — ' ; "* x *^/A-ncyi*a ""W* taviuin 

Naholeta. A-. U — m £tT 




Map Showing St. Paul's Route in Asia Minor on his Second Missionary Journey. 

(2) This view involves serious difficulties: (a) The narrative in the Acts seems to 
imply that Paul was pressing toward the west; (b) Luke's simple words " they went 
through " seem to forbid such an extended detour and a sojourn sufficiently long to 
permit the establishment of three or four churches; and (c) Paul's first preaching to 
the Galatians was because of an infirmity (Gal. 4: 13); that is, he either went to 
Galatia because he was sick, or while on his way through was detained there by sick- 
ness. But recent explorations in Asia Minor, giving a better knowledge of its physical 
geography and of possible routes of travel, have made it seem very improbable that 
Paul should have either undertaken such a prolonged journey northeastward through 
the thinly populated and inhospitable regions of Galatia proper to any point beyond, or 
that he should have gone to these regions for his health ; (d) the New Testament gives 
no hint of the existence of churches in Galatia proper, except on the assumption above 
referred to. 

(3) The following considerations still further favor the view that " the churches of 
Galatia " were those in Antioch, iconium, Lystra, and Derbe, planted by Paul and 
Barnabas on the first missionary journey : (a) The fact that these churches, though in 
different districts, were included in the province of Galatia made the term " churches 
of Galatia" the only geographical name by which they could be addressed in common ; 
(6) in 1 Cor., ch. 16, Paul speaks of Achaia, Macedonia, Asia, and Galatia; the first 
three of these unquestionably denote the Roman provinces, instead of the smaller dis- 
tricts called by the same names; the presumption, therefore, is that Galatia is used in 
the same sense. If so, then these four names cover the entire territory known to have 
been evangelized by Paul; (c) it seems, moreover, to have been Paul's habit to speak 
of the churches either by the name of the city in which each was located, or else by 

xxi 



Appendix : Notes on Lesson 19. 

groups, naming them by the province in which they were situated (see 1 Cor., ch. 16; 
2 Cor., ch. 9, and the salutations to all the Epistles). It is hardly reasonable to assume 
that Galatia is an exception to this rule, especially as by so doing we destroy all refer- 
ence in Paul's letters to the important churches of South Galatia ; (d) the name 
Galatia occurs, moreover, in connection with the great collection for the poor saints 
in Jerusalem which was taken on the third journey. But if " Galatia " here refers to 
the district only, and not to the province, then the important group of churches founded 
by Paul on his first journey are not mentioned in connection with an offering that was 
apparently intended to represent all the Gentile churches (see i Cor., ch. 16; 2 Cor., 
chs. 8, 9) ; (e) there is no clear evidence that Paul was ever in Galatia proper (see 
Smith's Diet. Bib., New Ed., Art., " Galatia," p. 1106a). 

For these and other reasons, the view that the Galatian churches were those founded 
on the first journey is rapidly winning acceptance, and is adopted in these lessons. If 
this view is correct, then Luke's narrative describes a route northward toward Bithynia 
until "over against (i. e. "on a line with") Mysia," and thence westward to Troas 
(see map). 

The Gospel in Philippi. Acts 16 : 13-40. (13) Place of prayer (A. V., 

"where prayer was wont to be made ") : A place in the open fields, perhaps inclosed, 
where the Jews were accustomed to pray. Such places were common in the absence 
of a synagogue, and were usually near a stream that there might be plenty of water for 
ceremonial purposes. (14) Purple : The purple cloth which was dyed at Thyatira. 
(16) A spirit of divination : The girl was regarded by the people of Philippi as 
possessed by " a Python-spirit," or prophetic demon ; accordingly her incoherent utter- 
ances were superstitiously regarded as of mysterious significance. Evidently she was 
a slave, and her owners found in her affliction a source of gain. (18) Sore troubled 
(A. V., " grieved ") : Because testimony from such a source would tend to compromise 
the Gospel. Satan never allies himself with a good cause except for the purpose of 
destroying it. (19) Marketplace : An open space in the city where assemblies 
were held and the magistrates held their courts, as well as where food and merchandise 
were sold. (20) Magistrates : Or, " praetors," the title of the highest rulers in the 
Roman colonies. Being Jews : And therefore despised by all Romans. No 
reference is made to Christianity, as the Romans did not at that time distinguish Chris- 
tianity from Judaism. (21) Set forth (A. V., "teach") customs, etc. : Roman law 
forbade Roman citizens to adopt the other religions ; the charge was therefore sub- 
stantially true. (24) Stocks : A heavy frame of timbers with holes through which 
the prisoner's feet were passed and fastened with thongs; sometimes the feet were 
stretched apart to increase the torture. (27) About to kill (A. -V., "would have 
killed ") himself: " By the Roman law, the jailer was to undergo the same punish- 
ment which the malefactors who escaped by his negligence were to have suffered." — 
Conybeare and Howson. Comp. 12 : 19; 27 : 42. A Roman official preferred suicide to 
disgrace. (35) Serjeants: Gr., llctors, public officers who bore the insignia of the 
office before the magistrates. (37) They have beaten . . . prison : By Roman 
law it was a crime to inflict blows or any sort of torture on a Roman citizen, or to con- 
demn him without a fair trial. Do they . . . privily: The Apostles had been 
publicly beaten, and they now demanded a public vindication. (38) They feared : 
" A magistrate wno punished a Roman citizen wrongfully might be indicted tor treason ; 
he was liable to suffer death and the confiscation of all his property." — Hackett. 



Lesson 19. Paul in Thessalonica, Beroea and Athens. 

(References arranged by books, and not in the order of questions, see Remark 6.) 

Paul's Ministry in Thessalonica. Acts 17:1-9; 1 Thes. 2:1-12. 
(Acts 17 : 2) Three sabbath days : This can not have been the whole of Paul's 
stay in Thessalonica ; 1 Thes. 1 : 9 shows that the converts were mainly from heathen- 
ism; and Phil. 4:16 also implies a longer stay than three weeks. (3) Behoved 
(A. V., " must needs ") : Was necessary. (4) Consorted with : Associated with ; 
joined themselves to. Devout Greeks : That is, Greek proselytes who worshiped 
the true God. But it is possible that according to several ancient MSS. the words 
" devout " and " Greeks " should be separated, so as to read, "and of the devout 

XXli 



Appendix : Notes on Lesson ig. 

[proselytes] and of the Greeks a great multitude." This would bring Luke's narra- 
tive, which mentions no converts from heathenism, into harmony with Paul's statement 
in i Thes. i : 9. (5) The house of Jason : Where Paul and Silas were staying as 
guests. To the people : Or, "to the demos," the assembly of the people where 
cases were tried. (6) The rulers of the city: Gr., politarchs. An inscription 
from Thessalonica, now in the British Museum, testifies to the correctness of this rare 
title. (7) Another king, one Jesus : As in the trial of Christ, the Jews devised 
a charge of treason, knowing that otherwise they could not obtain a hearing. (8) 
They troubled, etc. : Naturally such a charge alarmed the assembly and the rulers, 
since, if it were true, it endangered their standing as a free city. (9) Security : A 
pledge to keep the peace. 

(1 Thes. 2: 3) Kxhortation: Preaching in the largest sense of the word, 
which included not only appeals, but instruction in divine truth as its main element. 
Error (A. V., " deceit ") : The Gospel did " not originate in a delusion of which we 
are the victims." Guile : Crafty deceit {comp. 2 Cor. 4:2). (5) A cloke of covet- 
ousness : A false pretense used to cover an avaricious heart. The rapacity of Jewish 
and Greek traveling teachers who professed to be able to communicate important 
truths was notorious. Later in his ministry some of Paul's bitterest enemies were 
those who preached the Gospel for gain. (6) Apostles of Christ : Paul might 
have claimed honor and support as an ambassador of Christ. That he and his com- 
panions forbore to do so was ample proof of their sincerity. (8) Our own souls: 
Giving not only his message, but himself {comp. 2 Cor. 12 : 15). (9) Our labour : 
Paul was a tentmaker {comp. Acts 18 : 3). By manual toil at this craft he supported 
himself in the main, because he was determined that his work should not be open to 
the suspicion of being actuated by mercenary motives. 

Paul's Work in Bercea. Acts 17:10-15. (11) More noble : More open 
to the truth. (12) Women of honourable estate (A. V., " honourable women ") : 
The wives of the chief men of the city. (14) To the sea : Probably, but not cer- 
tainly, Paul journeyed to Athens by water. 

Paul's Address in Athens. Acts 17 : 16-34. (16) Full of idols (A. V., 

" wholly given to idolatry ") : Athens was literally full of images of gods and goddesses 
with their many temples and altars. Petronius says satirically that it was easier to find 
a god at Athens than a man. (17) Reasoned (A. V., " disputed ") : "He began to 
discourse in the synagogue, and to hold Socratic dialogue in the agora with any whom 
he met." — Ramsay. Note the ease and grace with which Paul adapted himself and 
his methods to any situation in which he was placed. The marketplace (A. V., 
"market") : The historic agora of Athens, an open square surrounded by the famous 
heights of the Pnyx, the Areopagus, and the Acropolis. It was ornamented by many 
marble statues and bordered by handsome cloisters or porches where the various 
schools of philosophy were accustomed to meet. (18) Epicurean . . . Stoic (A. 
V.," Epicureans . . . Stoicks"): See B. D. Babbler : Literally, a picker up of seeds. 
An Athenian slang expression used of a lounger around the markets who picked up 
what he could of what fell from the loads that were carried. Hence a low, worthless 
fellow. As applied to Paul it meant an ignoramus who picked up scraps of learning 
without knowing how to use them. A setter forth : A proclaimer. Strange 
gods : Gr., foreign demons. A demon was supposed to be a being between the gods 
and men. The Greeks had never before heard either of Jesus, or of God as Paul 
proclaimed Him. 

Remark 10. — Paul on Areopagus. Why Paul should have been taken from 
the roomy market to the narrow top of Areopagus (see B. D.) has never been satis- 
factorily explained. The scene as described by Luke forbids the idea of a judicial 
trial. In view of the fact that Athens was the great university town of its day, Prof. 
Ramsay suggests that the council of Areopagus may have exercised some sort of re- 
straint on the many strange teachers who resorted to the city, and that Paul may have 
been forced before the council that they, and the people, might pass on the nature of 
his teachings and on his qualifications as a lecturer. 

(22) Somewhat (A. V.," too") superstitious: Or, better," very religious " (see 
Am. Rev.). Paul would not have begun his speech by making any unnecessary criti- 
cism; he did not object to the religious propensity of the Athenians, but only to its 

xxiii 



Appendix : Notes on Lesson 20. 

misdirection. (23) TO AN (A. V., " THE") UNKNOWN GOD: The existence 
of such altars, which is also attested by classical writers, shows the desire of the Athe- 
nians to propitiate all the gods, known and unknown. (26) Of one : The word 
" blood," given in the A. V., is not found in the oldest MSS. and is therefore omitted in 
the R. V. Either this word or some other, as " father " or " body," must be understood. 
(28) Your own poets : The quotation is from Aratus, a Greek poet born in Cilicia 
about 270 B.C. (30) Overlooked (A. V., " winked at ") : Took no notice of. The 
rendering in the A. V. is not warranted by the Greek. Repent ; A totally new idea 
to the proud Athenians, who were accustomed to try to propitiate their gods, but 
not to ask for pardon. (34) Areopagite : A member of the famous court called 
the " Areopagus " (see on vs. 17, above). 



Lesson 20. Paul's First Ministry in Corinth. 

The Founding of the Church in Corinth. Acts 18:1-11, etc. (2) 
Because . . . Rome: Suetonius, writing about a.d. 100, says: " Claudius banished 
from Rome the Jews who were constantly making disturbances at the instigation of 
Chrestus." It is supposed that this " Chrestus " refers to Christ, and that the writer 
mistook disturbances arising out of the Jewish hope of a Messiah for disturbances in- 
stigated by one called Chrestus, or Christus. Claudius's edict was issued in A.D. 52, but 
remained in force only a very few years, (o) Was constrained (A. V., " pressed ") : 
That is, felt himself under a strong impulse. (6) Shook . . . raiment: Signify- 
ing the same as shaking the dust off the feet (see Expl. Note on 13:51, Lesson 15). 
From henceforth . . . Gentiles : This doubtless refers to his future work in 
Corinth, as 13 : 46 referred to that in Antioch, and 19 : 8, 9 to that in Ephesus. (9) Be 
not afraid : Paul suggests, in 1 Cor. 2 : 3, that he had become greatly depressed, 
owing perhaps to the implacable hostility of the Jews, the persecution from city to city, 
and anxiety over uncompleted work at Thessalonica and comparative failure in Athens. 
(11) A year and six months : During which time he wrote the two Epistles to the 
Thessalonians. (2 Cor. 11:9) Kept myself from being burdensome : Paul 
was unwilling to receive anything from the Corinthians lest they should suppose that 
he was preaching for gain. 

Paul's Preaching in Corinth Described. 1 Cor. 2 : 1—3 : 2. (2 : 1) When 

I came : On his first visit. This Epistle to the Corinthians was written some three or 
four years later. (2:2) I determined, etc. : Resolved to make the life and work of 
Christ, apart from all philosophical speculations, his sole theme. The revelation which 
came through Christ filled the Apostle's thought. Crucified : Presented in his lowest 
humiliation, and as a sacrifice for sin. (2:3) Much trembling : See on Acts 18 : 
9, above. (2 : 4) Wisdom : Human wisdom, philosophy, etc. (3:1) Babes in 
Christ : Beginners in the Christian life. (3 : 2) Fed you with milk : Spoke the 
truth in the simplest possible way and without those philosophical speculations which 
he was so well able to give, and of which the Corinthians were so fond. This simplic- 
ity of Paul's preaching seems to have been distasteful to some of the Corinthians 
{co7)ip. 2 Cor. 10 : 10). 

The Second Missionary Journey Ended. Acts 18:12-22. (12) The 
judgement-seat : The seat or chair of the Roman magistrate from which justice was 
dispensed; it was usually in the marketplace. (13) Contrary to the law: That 
is, the Mosaic law (see vs. 15). These Jews were not as politic as those of Thessa- 
lonica (17 : 6, 7). (14) Of wrong or of . . . villany (A. V.," lewdness") : That 
is, offenses proper to come before the proconsul. (15) Words and names : As 
the religious controversies of the Jews and their hostility to Jesus as the Messiah lay 
wholly outside the province of the Roman law, Gallio was justified in refusing the Jews 
a hearing. (16) Drave them : Perhaps because of their continued importunity. 
(17) All : The pagan Greeks and others who rejoiced to see the intolerant Jews dis- 
comfited. Cared . . . things : Gallio's indifference to the beating of Sosthenes, 
itself an injustice, was not due to any special regard for the Christians. He regarded 
the whole affair as a personal annoyance. (18) Having shorn his head: One 
who made a vow was compelled to let his hair grow until the vow expired. It is doubt- 
ful whether it was Aquila or Paul who had the vow. (21) The clause in the A. V., "I 

xxiv 



Appendix : Notes on Lesson 21. 

must bv all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem," is omitted in the oldest 
MSS., and therefore in the R. V. (22) Saluted the church : Probably the church 
in Jerusalem is meant, as suggested by the expression " went up," which is often used 
of going to Jerusalem. 

Lesson 21. Paul's Affection for the Thessalonians. 

(References arranged by books, and not in order of questions; see Remark 6, Lesson 14.) 

Paul's Joy over the Thessalonians. (1 Thes. 1:2) We: Paul, Silvanus 
or Silas, and Timothy, who have just been named. (1:3) Work of faith : Work 
which springs from faith. Labour of love: Loving Christian service that shuns no 
toil for others. Patience Of hope : Courageous endurance inspired by the Christian 
hope. (1:6) In much affliction: That is, persecution {com p. Acts 17:5-9.). 
With joy, etc.: The joy wrought in the soul by the Holy Ghost. (1 : 7) An en- 
sainple (A. V., "were ensamples"): A pattern. (1:8) Hath sounded forth 
(A. V., "out"): Like a trumpet. (2:14) Became imitators (A. V., "fol- 
lowers") : The effect of the Gospel in the hearts of these converts from heathenism 
was to make them strong to endure persecution from the unbelieving heathen, as the 
Jewish Christians had endured it from the unbelieving Jews. This of course was not 
intentionally, but through force of circumstances. (2:17) Bereaved of (A. V., 
"taken from ") you : As a mother of her children. Paul regarded the Thessalonians 
as his spiritual children. His heart was with them, and with intense longing he sought 
to be present with them. (2:18) Satan hindered: The hindrances put in Paul's 
way were so clearly evil in spirit and purpose, that he had no hesitancy in attributing 
them to the agency of Satan. (2 : 19) Crown, of glorying (A. V., " rejoicing ") : 
A simile from the victor's wreath or crown in the Grecian games. At the coming of 
Christ Paul's converts were to be his prize — crown {comp. I Pet. 5 : 4) — the reward of 
his labors. (3:11) God . . . direct: Over against the Saianic hindrance Paul 
turned to God to make his way clear to come again to the Thessalonians. (5 :25) 
Pray for us : Those mentioned in the first verse of the Epistle. 

(2 Thes. 1 : 3) Bound : Ought. The faithfulness and zeal of the Thessalonians 
were so extraordinary that the Apostle felt it not only a privilege, but a duty, to thank 
God on their account. (1:4) Patience: See above on 1:3. Which (A. V., 
"that") ye endure: Or, are enduring. This shows that the persecutions still con- 
tinued. (1:5) A manifest . . .judgement: "That is, the fact of such con- 
stancy and faith on your part is a predictive proof of what the judgment of God concern- 
ing you is to be." — Stevens. {Comp. Alt. 5:10; Phil. 1:28; 1 Pet. 4 : 13.) Their 
sufferings were a token of their acceptance with God. (1:8) Them that know 
not God: The Gentiles. That obey not the gospel: The Jews. (3:1) May 
run (A. V., " have free course "), etc. : May spread without hindrance and be victori- 
ous over all its enemies. (3 :4) We have confidence : A confidence founded not 
merely on their steadfastness, but on the power of God that worked in them. (3:5) 
Patience of Christ: Not "patient waiting for Christ," as in the A. V., but the 
endurance which Christ showed in His sufferings. 

The Coming Again of Christ. (1 Thes. 4:13) Them that fall (A. V., 

"them which are") asleep: That is, Christians who die. The Thessalonians evi- 
dently thought that the coming again of the Lord was near, and that those who died 
previously would be at a disadvantage as compared with the living; vss. 13-17 were 
written to correct this error concerning the dead. The rest (A. V., " others ") . . . 
no hope : The heathen generally at this time had no belief in a future life. (4 : 14) 
Asleep: That is, the dead in Christ, " those who through His mediation are now 
accounted as sleeping." — Ellicott. (4:15) By the word of the Lord: By 
direct revelation from Christ {comp. Gal. 2: 2; Eph. 3:3). We . . . alive, etc. : This 
indicates about as strongly as an indirect statement can that Paul expected the coming 
to take place in his own lifetime. In his later Epistles this hope seems to be given up. 
Shall precede (A. V., "prevent") : Get the start of; have any advantage over (see 
on vs. 13K (4:16) A shout: Like that of a commander to his troops in .battle. 
The trump of God: Comp. Mt. 24:31; 1 Cor. 15:52. (4:17) So shall we 
ever be with the Lord: Comp. Jo. 14 : 3 ; 17:24; Phil. 1:23. (5:2) The day 

XXV 



Appendix : Notes on Lesson 22. 

of the Lord : The time of His coming again. As a thief in the night : The 

usual Scripture simile to express the unexpectedness of Christ's coming again {comp. 
Mt. 24 : 43, 44 ; Lu. 12:39, 40; 2 Pet. 3:10). (5:3) Sudden destruction : Sudden 
is the emphatic word (comp.'Lu. 21: 34). (5:5) Sons (A. V., " children") of light: 
A strong Hebraistic expression for those who live in Christ, the Light of the world 
{comp. Jo. 1 : 9 ; 8 : 12). (5:6) Let us not sleep : That is, be careless or indifferent 
through the influence of sin {comp. Rom. 13 : 11, 12). (5 : 8) Comp. Eph.6 : 13-17. 

(2 Thes. 2 : 2) By spirit : That is. by the utterances of any one who professed to 
be inspired by the Spirit. By epistle (A. V., " letter ") as from us : Usually 
taken as referring to some letter circulated in Thessalonica, purporting to be from 
Paul. Is now present (A. V., " at hand ") : Is near. Paul undoubtedly shared the 
impression common among the early Christians that the day of the Lord was coming 
soon, but he knew that certain things must first take place. " By these they were to 
know, not when the day was to be, but when it was not yet to be " {Stevens) ; that 
is, that it was not to be until after these things had occurred. (2 : 3) The (A. V., 
"a ") falling away : "That falling away from faith in Christ of which the revelation 
of Antichrist shall be the concluding and most appalling phenomenon {comp. Lu. 
18 : 2>)." — Ellicott. The (A. V., " that") man of sin (margin R. V., " lawlessness") : 
The one in whom sin is personified. Paul's meaning in this and the following verses is 
not clear to us, though the Thessalonians probably understood him in the light of 
previous explanations (see vs. 5). (For a full discussion of this very difficult subject, 
see Smith's Diet. Bib., New Ed., Art., " Antichrist," or commentaries on this Epistle.) 



Lesson 22. Paul's Anxiety for the Galatians. 

Paul's Defense of Christian Liberty. Gal. 1:1— 5:26. (1:1) Paul, 
an apostle, etc. : The abruptness with which Paul asserts the divine origin of his 
apostleship shows that the Judaizers had tried to insinuate that he was inferior to the 
other Apostles, if indeed he v/as an Apostle at all. Note the difference between these 
opening words and those in the Epistles to the Thessalonians among whom his apostle- 
ship had not been questioned. Through (A. V., " by ") Jesus Christ : This 
apostleship had been given when Jesus appeared to him on the way to Damascus. 
(1 : 6) Ye are . . . removing (A. V., " removed ") : Becoming deserters ; they 
have not apostatized, but they are on the very point of it — in the act of doing so. 
From him that called you : From God, who called you into His kingdom. 
(1 : 7) Not another: The teaching of the Judaizers constituted not simply a siightly 
different Gospel, but it was no Gospel in any sense except that' it was a perversion 
of the only true one. (1:8) Anathema (A. V., " accursed") : "A person or thing 
doomed to destruction." (3:1) Who did bewitch (A. V., "hath bewitched") 
you : Or, " who has fascinated you with the power of his evil eye," referring to the 
popular belief in the spell cast by the eye of the sorcerer. (3:2) Received ye 
the Spirit: The gift of the Spirit, which came as the result of simple faith, was the 
unanswerable proof of acceptance with God {comp. Acts 10:44-48). Works - . . 
faith : The teaching of the Judaizers was that men become acceptable to God through 
merit attained by obedience to the ceremonial law. This Paul denied (Gal. 3:14; 
Rom. 3:20), teaching that men are accepted because of faith in Christ and the con- 
sequent receiving of the divine life imparted through Him (Gal. 2: 16,20; Rom. 
3 : 24-26). (3 : 3) Are ye . . . flesh : Do you now leave off the life of faith, and 
trust to works. (3:6) Reckoned (A. V., " accounted") . . . for righteousness: 
Through God's grace, Abraham's faith in Him was accepted as righteousness (comp. 
Gen. 15 : 6) . (3 : 10) As many . . . law : Those whose hope of salvation is 
founded on doing works required by law. Under a (A. V., " the ") curse, etc. : 
Since they do not actually do all that the law requires {comp. Deut. 27 : 26). (3 : 11) 
The righteous (A. V., " just ") shall live by faith : Comp. Hab. 2:4. (3 : 12) 
Not of faith : The fundamental principle of salvation by the law is not believing, but 
doing {comp. Lev. 18 : 5.) (3 : 13) Christ redeemed (A. V., " hath redeemed ") 
us, etc. : Opened a way whereby the Jews, who had failed to keep the law, could be 
freed from its condemnation {comp. Rom. 8:3, 4). The "us" refers to the Jews 
who were under the law, and not to those who never were subject to it. Paul " is 
treating a concrete question, namely, the way in which Christ helped the Jews out 

xxvi 



Appendix : Notes on Lesson 23. 

of that bondage of debt which their disobedience involved them in." — Stevens. 
Having become (A. V., " being made ") a curse for us : By His death on the 
cross, through which this way of escape was provided. (3 : 14) That . . . the 
Gentiles : Salvation was to the Jews first and then to the Gentiles (Rom. 1 : 16). To 
both alike salvation now comes through faith in Christ. (3 : 19) Added because 
of transgressions : Note carefully that Paul here uses the word transgression, and 
not sin. Transgression is literally an overstepping, or violation, of prescribed law. 
Sin is literally the missing of a mark, that is, " a failure and missing of the true end and 
scope of life, which is God." — Trench. Sin is coextensive with the fall. All men were 
sinners before the law came, but they were not transgressors, for there can be no trans- 
gression except where there is law (Rom. 4:15). The law was therefore "added 
because of transgression," that is, to create transgression, so as to bring sin, which 
already existed, clearly into the consciousness of those to whom the law was given, that 
is, the Jews, — to reveal its wickedness and to lead them to feel" their need of help 
(comp. Rom. 3 : 20; 5 : 20; 7 : 7-13). (3 : 24) Tutor (A. V., " schoolmaster") : Not ;i 
teacher, but a confidential slave who had general charge of the morals and discipline of 
a boy. (4:9) Rudiments (A. V., " elements") : The elementary religious teach- 
ing which was given to mankind before Christ came. (4 : 10) Ye observe . . . 
years : A part of their endeavor to be saved by the works of the law. (4 : 16) Am 
I become your enemy: Referring doubtless to the attempt of the Judaizers to 
alienate the Galatians from him. (5 : 2) If ye receive circumcision (A. V., " be 
circumcised"), etc.: If you turn to the Jewish law for salvation, you abandon faith and 
can receive no benefit from the work of Christ. (5:3) A debtor to do the whole 
law : Since to acknowledge the binding power of one rite compels the acceptance of 
all. The acceptance of the sis;n means the acceptance of all that for which the sign 
stands {comp. Jas. 2:10). (5:4) Ye are severed from Christ: Better than 
" Christ is become of no effect unto you," as in the A. V. (5 : 13) An occasion to 
the flesh : An incentive to selfishness and evil passions. (5 : 23) Temperance : 
Rather, " seli-control," applying to the regulation of all physical needs and desires. 



Lesson 23. Paul's Great Success in TCphesus. 

Remark 11.— Characteristics of the Three Missionary Journeys. 

(1) Paul's first missionary journey was devoted, except perhaps in Cyprus (see Acts 
11 : 19), to the preaching of the Gospel in places where it had not before been heard. 

(2) The second journey began with revisiting the Galatian churches established during 
the first journey, but was chiefly occupied with missionary work in new places in 
Europe. It included the writing of 1 and 2 Thessalonians, and perhaps Galatians (see 
Note 39, Lesson 22). (3) The first three years of the third journey were spent in 
Western Asia. They began with revisiting the churches in Galatia, but were mostly 
devoted to the evangelization of Ephesus and the province of Asia (Acts 19:10), 
where a great work was accomplished. The last year was largely occupied with revisit- 
ing the churches in Europe from Philippi to Corinth. During this journey Paul wrote 
1 and 2 Corinthians and Romans. 

Three Years of Success, etc. Acts 18 : 23—19 : 22. (18 : 25) Knowing 
only the baptism of John: The implication is that he had been taught either by 
John himself or by John's disciples, and though knowing of Jesus had gained 
but an imperfect knowledge of His teaching. (18:26) The way of God : As it 
had been revealed through Christ and the Holy Spirit. (19 : 1) The upper coun- 
try (A. V., " coasts ") : The mountainous interior region of Western Asia as distin- 
guished from the coast. (19 : 2) Did (A. V., " have ") ... believed : Paul had 
evidently detected some spiritual deficiency in these disciples. (19:3) Into (A. V., 
"unto") John's baptism: Which was not accompanied by the gift of the Holy 
Spirit. Note, however, that Paul's questions concerned primarily not baptism but the 
gift of the Holy Spirit. (19 : 9 ) Tyrannus : He was probably a Greek teacher of 
rhetoric or philosophy who had become a Christian. (19:11) Special mira- 
cles : These may have been permitted because of the prevalence in Ephesus of 
sorcerers, exorcists and other impostors. (19 : 13) Strolling (A. V., " vagabond ") 
Jews, exorcist: Comp. the narrative of Simon (8:9-11) and of Elymas (13:6-11). 
In spite of the Old Testament laws against sorcery (Ex. 22 : 18 ; Lev. 20 : 27 ; Deut. 18 : 

xxvii 



Appendix : Notes on Lesson 24, 

10, 11) there were many Jews who continued the practice. These Ephesian exorcists 
regarded Paul as one of the same craft with themselves, only possessed of greater 
power ; they therefore tried to adopt his method of casting out evil spirits. (19 : 15) 
The evil spirit answered: Comp. Mk. 1:24; 5:7; Acts 16:17. (19:16) 
Leaped on them : Impelled by the demon within him. Both of them : Evi- 
dently only two of Sceva's sons were present. The words "both of" are omitted in 
theA.V. (19:19) Books: Containing formulas of incantations and mysterious in- 
scriptions used in the practice of magical arts. Fifty thousand pieces of silver : 
A " piece of silver" was an Attic drachma, worth about i6| cents. These books were 
therefore worth over $8,000. (19 : 23) The (A. V., " that ") Way : Comp. 9:2; 19 : 
9. A much used name of Christianity. 

The Uproar in Ephesus. Acts 19 : 23-41. (24) Silver shrines: Small 
silver models of the temple at Ephesus containing an image of the goddess (see B. D., 
" Diana," and " Ephesus ") ; these were bought by pilgrims and set up as objects of 
worship. Demetrius was probably a leader in the guild of silversmiths which made 
these shrines, and doubtless had a good deal of capital invested in his business, (27) 
Not only, etc.: The chief reason for opposition to Paul, here as at Philippi (16: 
16-19) , was selfish interest and not zeal for religion. (29) The theatre: Ruins of 
this vast amphitheater, open to the sky and capable of seating 24,500 persons, are still 
visible at Ephesus. (31) The chief officers of Asia (A. V. omits "officers"): 
Called " Asiarchs" in the Greek. These were wealthy citizens of the province of Asia 
selected to superintend and pay for the annual games and festivals held in the prov- 
ince in honor of the emperor and of the gods. " So far as Paul makes these heathen 
games undesirable and diminishes the number attending them, so far he saves these 
Asiarchs both expense and trouble. The very reason that would make Demetrius an 
enemy of Paul would make these rulers of the games Paul's friends." — Stifler. (33) 
The Jews putting him forward: They wanted the Ephesians to understand 
that they too hated Paul and his associates ; the Ephesians, however, refused to dis- 
tinguish between Jew and Christian. (35) Townclerk : An important magistrate 
whose chief duty was to preserve and record the public acts and laws, and to preside 
over the popular assemblies. Templekeeper (A. V., " worshipper ") : An honorary 
title given to certain cities in Western Asia in which the special worship of some deity 
or even of some deified human ruler had been established. Which . . . Jupiter: 
Diana's image was supposed to have fallen from the skies. (37) Robbers of 
temples : Not " churches " as in the A. V. (40) We are . . . riot (A. V., " up- 
roar ") : The Romans severely punished every apparent insurrection. 



Lesson 24. Paul's Plea for Christian Unity. 

Party Spirit in Corinth Condemned. 1 Cor. 1:10—3:17. (1:10) 
Speak the same thing : Be agreed instead of at variance. Divisions : These 
arose because the Corinthians attached themselves to particular ministers, which led to 
contention and strife. That ye be perfected (A. V., "perfectly joined"), etc.: 
Unity would promote, as divisions would hinder, their progress toward perfectness. 
(1 : 11) It hath been signified (A. V., " declared"), etc. : Paul names his authorities. 
Whether Chloe was a resident of Corinth or Ephesus is not known. (1:12) I am of 
Paul : Those who used his name as a partisan watchword would doubtless " magnify 
into importance practices and sayings of his which were in themselves indifferent, and 
forget that theirs was a service of perfect freedom under one Master, even Christ." — 
Alford. I of Apollos : That is, I belong to the part of Apollos (see Acts 18 : 24-28 ; 
and Note 45). I of Cephas : That is, of Peter. This suggests either that Peter had 
been at Corinth during the years of Paul's absence, or that there had come from the 
East men who exalted the authority of Peter as compared with that of Paul. I of 
Christ: Probably spoken with an assumption of superiority. (1:13) Is Christ 
divided: Is He parceled out among a number of quarreling factions? Was Paul 
crucified for you : Have you been redeemed from sin by a mere man ? Baptized, 
etc. : Baptism was a formal surrender to the service of Christ, and a recognition of His 
claims ; had they thus surrendered themselves to Paul, and acknowledged his claims 
to their supreme love and loyalty. (1 : 14) I thank God, etc. : The fact that Paul 

xxviii 



Appe?idix : Notes on Lesson 25. 

had baptized so few should have prevented the formation of a party bearing his name. 
(1:17) To preach the gospel: Paul did not undervalue baptism which he 
administered when necessary, but he regarded preaching as his special work. Wisdom 
of words : That is, philosophical speculation through which the meaning of the 
cross is obscured and the cross itself stripped of its power. (1 : 18) Foolishness 
. . . power of God: The perishing who are wise in their own eves will not listen to 
the wisdom of God ; the saved are wise in the eyes of God and will not listen to the 
wisdom of the world. The two kinds of wisdom are opposed to each other. The 
false cannot be mixed with the true without injury to the latter. (1 : 23) A stum- 
bling-block : Because the crucifixion of the Messiah was so contrary to all the beliefs 
of the )ews, that it seemed to annul all the claims of the crucified One. Foolishness : 
Because the hope of regenerating the world by preaching a crucified Saviour seemed 
to the Gentiles the height of absurdity. 

(.'3:2) 3Iilk: Simple, elementary instruction {comp. Heb. 5:13). Meat: Ad- 
vanced instruction {comp. Heb. 5 : 14)'. (3 : 3) Ye are yet carnal : " Governed by 
mere human nature, and not by the Spirit of God." — Thayer's Lexicon. For 
Avhereas, etc. : The presence of jealousy and strife prored that the Corinthians were 
still in a state of spiritual infancy. (3:5) 3Iinisters : Literally, " deacons," that is, 
"servants" who only did the bidding of their common Lord, and are wholly out of 
place as heads of parties. Besides, their work of planting and watering was trifling in 
comparison with the life-giving power of God, without which the utmost human faith- 
fulness and ability were fruitless. (3 : 8) Are one : That is, are on equal terms, God 
working through'both alike. (3:9) God's fellow-workers (A. V., "labourers 
together with God") : Because the Holy Spirit worked in and through them. They 
were " one " in the fact that they were God's helpers. Husbandry : Literally, " tilled 
land" (R. V. margin). (3 : 10) 1 laid a (A. V., " I have laid the") foundation: 
That is, first preached Christ in Corinth ; other teachers or preachers, not Apollos 
exclusively, had built thereon. At this point the figure changes from that of afield, 
planted and watered, to that of a temple in process of erection, flow he buildeth 
thereon (A.V., "thereupon ") : With what kind of teaching he follows Paul's doctrine 
of Christ. (3: 12) Gold, silver, costly (A. V., "precious") stones: Not gems, 
but the most durable stones for building purposes. These, as well as the precious 
metals represented the abiding truths of the Gospel. Wood, hay, stubble : Errone- 
ous human teachings. Throughout this passage Paul speaks of the comparative worth 
or worthiessness of the doctrines taught by Christian teachers. The passage may be 
made to applv to the building of character, but that thought is not contained in it. 
(3:13) Fire: The searching judgment of God. (3:16) Ye are a (A. V., " the *') 
temple of God : " Here, as in the entire preceding discussion, the church is repre- 
sented as the temple, not individual Christians." — Ciould. This the Corinthians were 
destroying by their unholy factions. Those who did this were deserving of the severest 
divine judgments. 

Lesson 25. Paul's Estimate of Christian Love. 

Remark 12. Literary Character of i Cor., Ch. 13. " On each side of 
this chapter the tumult of argument and remonstrance still rages : but within it all is 
calm: the sentences move in almost rhythmical melody : the imagery unfolds itself in 
almost dramatic propriety : the language arranges itself in almost rhetorical accuracy. 
We can imagine how the Apostle's amanuensis must have paused to look up in his 
master's face at the sudden change of his style of dictation, and seen his countenance 
lighted up as it had been the face of an angel as the sublime vision of divine perfection 
passed before him." — Stanley. 

All GiFrs Worthless without Love. 1 Cor. 13:1-3. (1) Tongues of 

men : Referring to the gift of " tongues." And of angels : A poetic embellishment, 
which does not prove that angels use either tongues or languages. Love : Not 
"charity," as in the A. V., which is misleading. The word as used by Paul in this con- 
nection denotes "the love of men to men; especially that love of Christians toward 
Christians which is enjoined and'prompted by their religion, whether the love be viewed 
as in the soul or as expressed." — Thayer's Lexicon. Throughout this chapter the word 
"love " should be read, as in the R. V., wherever the A. V. has " charity." Sounding 



Appendix : Notes on Lesson 25. 

brass, etc. : A mere talker without personal worth. (2) Prophecy : Not the fore- 
telling of future events, but the utterance of religious truth under the influence of 
the Holy Spirit. This gift Paul commended far above the coveted gift of tongues 
(14: 1-6). Mysteries : The deep things in God's will and purpose. Knowledge 
of mysteries was a separate spiritual gift (12:8; 14:6). Faith : Still another gift 
(12 : 9) which could not have been identical with that saving faith which is common to 
all Christians, and which reveals itself in love; but some special endowment either 
for extraordinary miracles (Mt. 17:20), or for heroic self-sacrifice, as martyrdom. 
(3) Feed the poor : This would have been " charity" in our common use of the 
word, but would not necessarily imply love. If (A. V., " though ") ... burned : 
Even martyrdom might be endured without any of the true Christian spirit. Profit- 
eth me nothing : Martyrdom has in itself no saving power. 

The Characteristics of Love. 1 Cor. 13:4-7. (4) Suffereth long: 

Is patient in bearing injuries. Love is here personified. Kind : Does all possible 
good. Envieth not : Is not discontented because of the good fortune of others. 
Vaunteth not itself: Is not vainglorious or boastful. Is not puffed up : With 
self-conceit. (5) Doth not behave . . . unseemly : Observes all the delicate 
proprieties of courteous conduct. Seeketh not its (A. V., "her") own: Is not 
selfish, but strives for the good of all. Provoked : Exasperated, enraged. Taketh 
not account of evil : Bears no malice, lays up no grudge ; love is not suspicious, 
does not look out for offenses, and does not treasure up a long score of them. The 
A. V., " thinketh no evil " is not definite enough. (6) Rejoiceth not, etc. : Takes 
no pleasure in either sin or sinners. Rejoiceth with (A. V.,"in") the truth: 
Truth is also personified. Truth and love together rejoice when they see sin put down, 
and righteousness exalted. (7) Beareth all things : Does not cease to love others 
because of the troubles, anxieties, and wrongs caused by them. Believeth : Is 
not distrustful or suspicious of others' ; puts the best construction on their actions. 
Hopeth : Never ceases to expect good from men. Endureth : Continues stead- 
fast in the face of neglect, suffering and persecution. 

The Permanency of Love. 1 Cor. 13 : 8-13. (8) Never faileth : Gr., 

falleth, like petals from a withering flower. Love is permanent, gifts are transient. 
(9) In part : A further reason why the gifts of prophecy and knowledge (vs. 2) were 
temporary, since they were suited to the defective condition of this present life only, but 
they would be done away when perfect knowledge of the future life is attained (vs. 10). 
Love, on the contrary, remains the same in kind, while it increases in strength. 
(11) When I was a child, etc. : The attainments and occupations of manhood 
naturally displace those of childhood. (12) In a mirror (A. V., " through a glass ") : 
The mirrors of Paul's day were of polished metal which quickly grew dim. Here we 
see only obscure reflections ; there we shall see the reality itself. Here knowledge is 
indirect and therefore incomplete ; there it is direct and complete. (13) Now : 
Does not refer to time, but introduces a conclusion. " Since the case stands thus, it 
follows," etc. Abideth: Do not perish like the other spiritual gifts. Faith: Not a 
" gift " as in vs. 2, but the soul's eternally permanent attitude of trust and confidence in 
God. Hope : The expectation, based on past experiences, of constantly increasing 
attainment and joy. Greatest, etc.: " In this the Apostle reaches the climax of his 
statement. He has shown faith, hope, and love to be greater than the charismata 
[gifts] , because of their permanence. Now he declares love to be the greatest of these. 
This supremacy is owing to its comprehensiveness, being, as our Lord says, the great 
commandment, containing in itself the whole law, and, as Paul says (Col. 3 : 14), the 
bond of perfectness." — Gould. 






Appendix : Notes on Lesson 2f. 

Lesson 27. Paul Collecting Funds for the Poor in Jerusalem. 

Paul's Second Tour in Macedonia, etc. Scattered References. (Acts 
20:2) Those parts: That is, Philippi, Thessalonica, Beroea, etc. Perhaps Paul 
also made at this time a preaching tour into Illyricum (Rom. 15 : 19). Greece : The 
Roman province of Achaia (see B. D., " Achaia "). (Acts 20 : 3) Three months : 
Spent, probably, almost wholly in Corinth. (2 Cor. 2 : 13) 1 had no relief (A. V., 
"rest"), etc. : Verse 4 tells the state of mind in which Paul wrote his previous letter, 
and accounts for the deep anxiety with which he awaited news as to its effect upon the 
church. (2Cor. 7:o) Fightings: Probably with adversaries, either Christian or 
non-Christian, who troubled him greally. Fears : For the Corinthian church. (2 
Cor. 7:7) He told us, etc. : The news brought by Titus showed that Paul's letter 
had had a most salutary effect on the church as a whole. 

The Great Collection. 1 Cor. 16 : 1-4. (1) Collection for the saints : 

The poor in Jerusalem. Their poverty seems to have been extreme, and may have 
resulted in part from the dissipation of their resources through the enthusiastic com- 
munism which at first prevailed; but to a greater extent, doubtless.it resulted from 
political convulsions, extortions of the rulers, and frequent famines. Galatia: The 
Roman province. (2) First day of the week: This day, Sunday, had come to 
be religiously observed in the early church. A systematic provision for Christian 
benevolence is here inculcated. Each (A. V., " every ") one: Poor as well as rich. 
In store: So that when the whole amount was called for it might be brought from 
the home to the assembly. As he may prosper (A. V., "as God hath prospered 
him ") : No fixed rule is given. One week a person may be more prospered than at 
another time, and be able to give not only actually but proportionately more. 

2 Cor., ch. 8. (1) We made known: The A. V., "we do you to wit" is 

Tyndale's translation meaning the same thing. (2) In . . . affliction: While they 
were being tested by much affliction. Abundance . . . liberality: That is, their 
great joy in the Christian life had made them overflow with liberality in spite of their 
poverty. (3-5) For, etc.: Note that (1) they gave beyond their means; (2) they 
gave without being asked ; (3) they begged the privilege of being made partakers of 
this grace ; (4) they not only gave of their substance, but first gave themselves to the 
Lord. ^10) You, who ... a year ago, etc. : The Corinthians had begun to 
make this collection before the Macedonian churches made theirs. (12) It is ac- 
ceptable (A. V., "accepted"), etc. : "God looketh not to the gift, but to the spirit of 
the giver." — Farrar. (13, 14) Others (A. V., "other men") . . . eased, and 
ye distressed (A. V., "be burdened"), etc.: Paul's enemies at Corinth might say, 
"he wishes to fleece us and bring us to want, that others may have good times." So 
far from this being the case, he wished especially to avoid making this collection a 
burden to the Corinthians, but only that the riches, or superabundance, of the Corin- 
thians might be used to relieve the distress of other Christians, so that a state of 
"brotherly equality" might result. (18) The brother, etc.: Possibly Luke. If 
Luke, as has been suggested, was a relative of Titus, this may account for the fact that 
the latter is not mentioned in the Acts. (19) Appointed by (A. V., "chosen of") 
the churches, etc. : One of those officially appointed to assist in collecting and dis- 
bursing this money (see Note 55). (20) Blame us, etc.: Paul took great care to 
avoid any ground of complaint concerning his management of the funds collected. 
(22) Our brother: This third messenger was probably one of the disciples men- 
tioned in Acts 20 : 4. 

2 Cor., ch. 9. (5) Bounty: Gr., blessing. Extortion (A. V., " covetous- 
ness") : That is, the gift should be so large as to show a generous spirit — a desire to 
bless; not so small as to show covetousness. (7) Grudgingly: Gr., of sorrow; that 
is, with a sorrowful or unwilling heart. (12) Thanksgivings unto God : These 
gifts will cause thanksgiving to God in the hearts of those to whom I bear them. (15) 
Unspeakable : Because words cannot adequately describe it. 



XXXI 



Appendix : Notes on Lesson 28. 

Lesson 28. The Character of Paul's Ministry. 

Paul's Ministry and the Hope of Eternal Life. 2 Cor. 4: 16— 5:10. 

(4: 16) Wherefore (A. V., " For which cause") : Because of the strength imparted 
by the hope of participating in the resurrection of Christ (see vs. 14). Outward 
man: The decaying, mortal body. Inward man: The soul, unaffected by sick- 
ness or age. Renewed : Strengthened. (4 : 17 ) Light affliction : Not light in 
itself, but in comparison with the eternal glory that is to follow. Worketh for us : 
Fulfils a divine purpose. More and more (A. V., "a far more"), etc.: In this 
accumulation of qualifying words the Apostle endeavors to express the inexpressible 
greatness of the coming glory. (4:18) Things . . . not seen are eternal: 
" The ' things eternal' exist now as much as they ever will do. We are as much living 
in eternity now as we ever shall be. The only difference will be that then we shall see 
Him who is now unseen, and realize the things which now are only visible to the eye 
of faith." (5:1) Earthly house: The physical body. Tabernacle: That is,' a 
tent, frail and movable, as contrasted with a dwelling on a solid foundation. A build- 
ing: More substantial than a tent ; the resurrection body with which the soul is to be 
clothed upon in the heavenly life. (5 : 2) In this : " Tent " is probably to be under- 
stood. (5:3) Found naked: That is, without a body when Christ comes again. 
A reference perhaps to the belief stated in 1 Cor. 15 : 51-53 that at the Advent the living 
shall be changed, that is, given a spiritual body, so that they shall not be found desti- 
tute of a body when they meet the Lord in the air. (5 : 5) Earnest of the Spirit : 
The gift of the Spirit is a pledge or foretaste of the future glory. (5 : 6) At home 
. . . absent: Literally "at home . . . from home." While a/home in the body we 
axe from home in respect to the Lord; while from home in respect to the body we are 
at home with the Lord (vs. 8) ; so also in vs. 9. (5 : 10) Made manifest : Not 
merely " appear " as in the A. V. ; but appear for the purpose of revealing the inward, 
hidden character, the quality of which determines the ensuing verdict. 

Paul's Sense of Responsibility to Christ. 2 Cor. 5:11-17. (5:11) 
Therefore : In view of the judgment just mentioned. The fear (A. V., " terror ") 
of the Lord : The fear which must come to every evil doer who reflects that the 
Lord is an omniscient and righteous Judge, able to discern all hidden thoughts and 
motives. Persuade men : Of his earnest desire to please the Lord (vs. 9) ; of this 
Paul did not need to persuade God who knew his heart. "There are few texts so 
much perverted as this one, owing to the rendering of the E. V. [A. V.]. It is fre- 
quently understood and preached upon as if it meant, ' knowing how terrible God is, 
we persuade others to fear him:' a meaning as far as possible from the Apostle's 
mind." — Alford. (5 : 12) But speak as giving (A. V., " but give ") you occa- 
sion, etc. : Paul explained the character and motives of his ministry in order to fur- 
nish the Corinthians a real ground for commendation of himself ; of this they had been 
deprived by the calumnies of his detractors. . His enthusiasm, even though they called 
it madness (vs. 13), was a proof of his zeal for God, while his practical common sense 
was exercised for the good of the Corinthians. (5 : 14) The love of Christ : 
Christ's love for Paul, not Paul's love for Christ. All died (A. V., " dead ") : Christ's 
death in behalf of all men represents the death of all as a penalty for sin. But their 
actual salvation from this penalty depends on their individual appropriation of His 
work. (5: 17) In Christ: Derives his spiritual life from Christ, as the branch from 
the vine. A new creature : Better, " a new creation " (comp. Jo. 3 : 3 ; Eph. 2 : 10 ; 
4:23,24). 

Paul an Ambassador of God. 2 Cor. 5:18—6:10. (5: 18) Ministry 

of reconciliation : The ministry which has for its aim the announcement of the fact 
that God through Christ has reconciled unto Himself us who once were His enemies 
(Rom. 5 : 10) . (5 : 20) We are ambassadors : Preachers of the Gospel represent 
the King of kings who through them invites sinful and rebellious men to become 
reconciled to Himself through Christ. " Men say, when another has wronged them, 
that he must take the first step towards reconciliation. God seeking reconciliation with 
men — this is at once the glory of God, and the hope of men."— Gould. (5:21) 
Who knew no sin, etc. : " This verse has always been esteemed a classical passage 
on the doctrines of atonement and justification. Three essential truths are expressed 
by it. (1) Jesus Christ was in himself perfectly sinless. ... (2) Christ, though holy, 



Appendix : Notes on Lesson 2Q. 

was treated by God as if he were a sinner, being called to take the lot and place of the 
sinners for whom he died (see vs. 14 and Acts 2:23; 1 Pet. 2:24). The vicarious 
nature and intent of the Saviour's death are distinctly taught. ... (3) The object 
sought by making the Son of God their Sin Bearer was that men, though in themselves 
sinful, might be treated by God as righteous through their union with Christ; or, in 
other words, might be justified and saved." — Hovey, in Am. Com., on 2 Cor. (6 : 1) 
That ye receive not, etc. : A continuation of the entreaty in 5 : 20. God entreats 
through His ambassadors, but these on their own account also join in the entreaty. 
(6:4) Commending (A. V., " approving") ourselves: Over against those who 
arrogated to themselves " letters of commendation " (2 Cor. 3 : 1-3), probably from the 
Apostles in Jerusalem. Paul shows that in the things he had suffered for the sake of 
the Gospel his commendations as a faithful minister of Christ are immeasurably su- 
perior to theirs. This thought is enlarged upon later in the Epistle (see Lesson 29). 



Lesson 29. Paul Glorying in the Lord. 

Paul Glorying in his Labors and Sufferings. 2 Cor. 11: 21-33. (22, 
23) Are they, etc. : Paul's detractors at Corinth. Hebrews . . . seed of 
Abraham . . . ministers of Christ: "The three names of honour, in which 
they boasted from their Judaistic point of view, are arranged in a climax." — Meyer. 
Paul does not grant, however, that they are ministers of Christ, except in arrogant 
pretense. (23) I . . . beside himself (A. V., "fool") : Boasting of oneself was 
more than folly, in Paul's thought ; it was madness. Yet in this case he thought it 
necessary; it was forced upon him {comp. 12 : 11;. In labours, etc. : Passing from 
irony to earnestness, he now contrasts with these empty boasts of his enemies the 
labors, sufferings and revelations which constituted his indisputable authentication as 
an Apostle of Christ. In deaths oft: The explanation of this seems to follow in 
vss. 24-27, after which the course of thought is resumed. (24) Forty stripes save 
one: Forty stripes was a penalty permitted by the Mosaic law (Deut. 25 :3), but lest 
a mistake should be made in counting, the Jews stopped short at thirty-nine. These 
were inflicted with a whip of three thongs, and might be so administered as to result 
in death. No account of these five scourgings occurs in Acts. (25) Beaten with 
rods : A Roman punishment not infrequently followed by death ; only one of these 
beatings is mentioned elsewhere (Acts 16 : 22, 23). Stoned : At Lystra (Acts 14 : 19), 
a punishment intended as capital. Thriee . . . shipwreck: There is no further 
record of these disasters; the shipwreck on the way to Rome (Acts 27:41-44) 
occurred three or four years after this letter was written. (26) Rivers (A. V., 
"waters") : Swollen streams or torrents, crossed at times without boats or bridges. 
Robbers : A peril to this day in Asia Minor. 3Iy (A. V., " mine own ") country- 
men : Who were everywhere foremost in persecuting him (Acts 13:50; 14:2, 19, 
etc.). False brethren: Judaizers, but where their opposition became a peril we 
do not know. (28) Beside . . . without: Better, " besides all the other things." 
(30) Weakness: (A. V.. "infirmities"): Paul's patience, self-sacrifice and sym- 
pathy, the Corinthians mistook for weakness, because they did not understand that 
Christianity makes greatness and strength subservient to the interests of the weak. 
Those things of which Paul would boast were the very opposite of the arrogance, 
insolence and tyranny which the false teachers practiced (vs. 20), which were so utterly 
unlike the spirit of Christ, and which the Corinthians foolishly regarded as proofs of 
greatness and strength. (32) In Damascus, etc. : Comp. Acts 9 : 24, 25, and B. D., 
" Aretas." 

Paul Glorying in his Revelations. 2 Cor. 12:1-13. (1) Visions and 

revelations: In these Paul could give a most convincing proof of his apostolic 
authority. That he did not speak of them until fourteen years after their occurrence 
shows his modesty. (2) I know (A. V., " knew ") a man: Paul refers to himself 
(vs. 7). He had been in some sort of trance and received from God inexplicable rev- 
elations. Caught up: That is, in the trance. The third heaven: "There 
seems to be little doubt that Paul had in mind the Rabbinical idea of seven heavens. 
He was himself a Rabbi, and the language here is such as to suggest that doctrine and 
nothing else. Both terms, 'the third heaven ' and ' Paradise ' belong to that nomen- 

xxxiii 



Appendix : Notes on Lesson jo. 

clature. . . . But we need not suppose that Paul's intention went any further than to 
use this familiar language for the expression of his thought."— Gould. (4) Para- 
dise: Also called 'Abraham's bosom' (Lu. 16:22), was the abode of the blessed 
dead in the unseen world. Unspeakable words: It is probable that Paul was 
unable to interpret or even to understand fully the glimpses of divine things which were 
given to him in these visions. Hence it is utterly futile for us to speculate concerning 
what he may have seen or heard. (7) A thorn in the flesh : Some bodily afflic- 
tion of which Paul could not be rid {comp. Gal. 6 : 17), which he regarded as an inflic- 
tion of Satan, and the nature of which was well known to the Corinthians, but is 
wholly unknown to us. (11) I am become foolish (A. V., "a fool"): The 
Apostle felt himself humiliated at the necessity of enumerating the points wherein he 
was superior to his adversaries. The Corinthians should have been sensible enough to 
perceive these things, so as' to have proclaimed concerning Paul the things he had been 
forced to say concerning himself. The very chiefest apostles : Literally, " the 
overmuch, or superexcellent, apostles." The reference is not to the Twelve, but to the 
false teachers at Corinth with whom he was compelled to compare himself. The tone 
of bitter contempt is not such as Paul would have used in speaking of the Twelve. 
(13) Forgive me this wrong: In that he had not burdened the Corinthians by 
asking support from them. A " cutting irony." 



Lesson 30. Paul and the Church in Rome. 

Paul and the Church in Rome. Rom. 1 : 1-15. (1) Paul : The Apostle 
follows the custom of his time in placing the name of the writer at the beginning, and 
not at the close as now. A servant, etc. : In these self-designations Paul presents 
his credentials to his personally unknown readers. The first, " servant," is a general 
designation applicable to all believers ; the second, " apostle," is more specific in that it 
indicates his divine mission, while the third, " separated," that is set apart, points to 
preaching as the work through which his mission was to be fulfilled. (2) Which he 
(A. V., " which he had ") promised : Having given his own name as the writer, Paul 
would naturally have followed this with a designation of the readers to whom he wrote. 
But, instead, the word " gospel " suggests to the Apostle's mind a description of that 
redemptive work which was foretold in the Old Testament and completed in Christ. 
(5) Obedience of (A. V., " to the ") faith : Obedience for the sake of producing 
faith in others. This was Paul's work as an Apostle, and it united him to all Christians, 
especially Gentiles, and so to those in Rome. (7) Saints : That is, persons who are 
separated and consecrated to the service of God. But those who were thus consecrated 
should reflect God's holiness. Grace : The common salutation among Greeks. 
Peace : The common salutation among Jews. Both are infused with Christian mean- 
ings, as the remaining words of the verse indicate. (8) Your faith : that is, " faith 
in Christ," the distinctive mark of a Christian. Throughout the whole world : 
That is, speaking generally, in all parts of the empire. (11) Spiritual gift: By 
some understood to mean such gifts as the Apostle describes in 1 Cor., chs. 12, 14. 
More probably he refers to edification through instruction and preaching. " All that 
St. Paul implies is that he hopes to do them some good, so as to settle and strengthen 
them ; and in the next verse, with characteristic delicacy, he even modifies what he has 
said, so as to guard against being supposed to imply that the benefit would be all on 
their side." — Barmby. (14) Debtor : Not by reason of what he had received from 
men, which was mainly hatred and persecution, but by reason of what he had received 
from Christ. Greeks : A term under which Paul included the Romans also, among 
whom all educated persons were trained in the Greek language and literature. Bar- 
barians : This term designated all those nations that did not speak Greek. 

Paul's Motive in Writing, etc. Rom. 15 : 14-21. (14) Am persuaded, 

etc.: From the good report of the church (1:8) Paul courteously intimates that the 
admonitions contained in the preceding chapter, which perhaps refer to conditions in 
the Gentile churches as a whole, may be taken as warnings against possible dangers 
rather than as reproofs for existing faults. (15) Boldly . . . because of the 
grace, etc. : Though the church in Rome had not been founded by Paul, yet as it is a 
Gentile church he felt free to include it within the scope of his instructions and admoni- 



Appendix : Notes on Lesson j u . 

tions. (19) Illyricum : See B. D. Whether Paul intended to include or exclude this 
province from the field of his labors is not clear from his language. It has been sug- 
gested that as the Illyrian mountains are in plain view from the Egnatian Way over 
which he traveled from Fhilippi to Thessalonica, he would naturally use the expression 
"unto Illyricum" in speaking of the western limit of his operations. Fully 
preached : Not in every town and village, but in the centers of trade and population 
from which the Gospel would naturally spread into the adjacent regions. (20) Mak- 
ing it my aim (A. V., " so have I strived "J, etc. : Paul's mission as an Apostle was 
to spread the Gospel by founding new churches, and not to spend his strength in places 
where churches had already been founded by others. 

Paul's Plans for the Future. Rom. 15:22-33. (23) No more . . . 
place: All the important Grasco-Roman cities between Jerusalem and Illyricum had 
been reached by the Gospel. (24) Spain : Paul evidently regarded Italy as already 
sufficiently provided for by the church in Rome. Spain was one of the most important 
provinces of the empire, and easily accessible from Rome by water. The mention of 
Spain shows the largeness of Paul's plans. To be brought on my way, etc.: 
The meaning maybe either that Paul hoped to be joined by some of the Roman Chris- 
tians in his mission to Spain, or that he hoped to be strengthened for his journey by 
their sympathy and prayers. (26) Contribution: Literally, "a fellowship," or 
" communion." It was an offering that exhibited and embodied the idea of Christian 
fellowship. (28) Go on (A. V., " come ") by you: That Paul intended to make 
only a visit in passing, and no prolonged stay in Rome, was in accord with his rule 
(vs. 20) to do the work of a pioneer, and not to come into rivalry with the work of 
others. 



Lesson 31. Paul's Doctrine of Grace. 

The Theme Stated. Rom. 1:16, 17. (16) Not ashamed . . . gospel: 

Imperial Rome would scoff at an attempt to regenerate the world by preaching a cruci- 
fied Jew as Redeemer. Power : Or " force," like one of the great forces of nature. 
Of God : It is a display of divine omnipotence. To every one : A forcible contrast 
to Jewish exclusiveness. That believeth : Faith is the simple condition on which 
this saving power of God is experienced. The Jew first : Since God revealed Himself 
to the world through the Jews. The Greek : Here denoting every one who was not 
a Jew. (17) Righteousness of God: This phrase is one of the most profoundly 
significant in the writings of Paul. It is opposed to the righteousness of the law, that 
is, a state of acceptance with God, which the Jew supposed that he could obtain as a 
reward for obeying the requirements of the law. But since the law demands a perfect 
obedience, Paul held that a legal righteousness was absolutely unattainable. God had 
therefore revealed in the Gospel a new way of salvation. This is through " a righteous- 
ness of God by faith." By this Paul denoted (i) God's eternal holiness going forth 
from Him and realizing itself among men through the redemptive work of Christ ; and 
(2) an acceptance with God which is bestowed by Him as a free gift on all who 
accept Christ by faith. The righteous (A. V., " just ") shall live, etc. : Hab. 2 : 4. 

Salvation by Faith. Rom. 3:21-26. (21) But now: In view of the 
utter failure of all men to attain righteousness through their own efforts. Apart from 
(A. V., "without") the law: Independent of it. Righteousness, etc. : See above 
on 1: 17. Witnessed, etc.: The principle of righteousness by faith, although first 
clearly revealed in the Gospel, is yet found in the Old Testament, and so is confirmed 
by it. (22) No distinction (A. V., " difference") : Jews and Gentiles have alike 
sinned, as stated in the next verse ; they have no righteousness of their own, and must 
alike be saved by grace. (24) Reing justified, etc. : Christ, by His sufferings and 
death, made it possible for men to be delivered from sin, and to stand before God 
accepted as righteous because of faith. How this comes about Paul does not 
explain. The redemption . . .Jesus: "Redemption" means "ransom-price," 
and figuratively describes the death of Christ as a price paid for man's release from 
sin. It does not imply an actual commercial transaction, but it serves to emphasize 
the cost of redemption. This redemption, or sacrificial death of Christ, is the first 
great step by which God's own righteousness realized itself among men. (25) A 

XXXV 



Appendix : Notes on Lesson 32. 

propitiation : A means, provided by God Himself, by which God might be able to 
look upon men not in anger because of their sins, but, because of their faith, with 
approval, in spite of their sins. The Jews sought this end through sacrifices. Paul 
teaches that it is secured through the blood, that is, the sacrificial death of Christ 
(comp. 5:9). To shew (A. V., " declare ") his righteousness : To vindicate pub- 
licly His own attitude toward sin. Because of the passing over of sins done 
aforetime : Not "remission of sins that are past" as in the A. V. The sacrificial 
death of Christ was a public exhibition of God's real hatred of sin, which His forbear- 
ance with sin in the past might have led men to doubt (comp. Eccl. 8:11). (26) 
Just, and the justifier : "This is the key-phrase which establishes the connection 
between the 'righteousness of God,' and the 'righteousness by faith.' . . . The words 
indicate no opposition between justice and mercy. Rather that which seems to us and 
which really is an act of mercy is the direct outcome of ' the righteousness ' which is a 
wider and more adequate name than justice. It is the essential righteousness of God 
which impels Him to set in motion that sequence of events in the sphere above and in 
the sphere below which leads to the free forgiveness of the believer and starts him on 
his way with a clean page to his record." — Sanday. 

Results of Faith. Rom. 5 : 1-8. (1) Let us have : This translation in the 
R. V., though supported by the best MSS., does not give as good logical coherence as 
that of the A. V., " we have." The Apostle does not appear to be exhorting, but to be 
stating a consequence of justification by faith. So also in verses 2, 3, the " we ... re- 
joice," etc., of the A. V. gives better sense than the "let us rejoice," of the R. V. 
(2) We have had (A. V. "we have") our access, etc.: "We have by Christ 
obtained the introduction into this grace (of justification), and having been so intro- 
duced, we abide and standfast in it; and looking forward from this firm standing 
ground, we rejoice (or make our boast) in the expectation of something better still, 
even the glorious state of perfection which God has in store for us." — Arnold, in Am. 
Com. (3) Tribulations: Bodily sufferings. (4) Probation (A. V., "experi- 
ence") : A character that has endured the test of trial. (5) The love of God: 
This may mean God's love for us as in Rom. 8 : 39, or our love for God as in Jo. 5 : 42. 
The context seems to require the former meaning here. (6) Weak (A. V.," without 
strength") : Unable to work out a saving righteousness. Christ died, etc.: This 
is the guaranty of the hope mentioned in vss. 4, 5. (7) A righteous man: One 
who is merely just, who pays a hundred cents on the dollar. The (A. V., " a ".) 
good man : He whose kindness and generosity have inspired a real affection and 
devotion. (8) While we were yet sinners, etc. : To die for one greatly loved 
is the highest proof of human love ( Jo. 15 : 13) ; but to die for one's enemies is superr 
human, that is, divine, love. 



Lesson 32. Paul's Final Return to Jerusalem. 

From Corinth to Miletus. Acts 20 : 3<5-17. (So) A plot . . . Jews 

(A. V., "Jews laid wait" ) : Paul and his companions were on the point of sailing 
direct from Corinth to Syria, possibly in a ship carrying a body of pilgrims to the feast 
of the Passover. Among these might be found many deadly enemies of Paul, some 
of whom were still smarting under their ignominious defeat before Gallio (Acts 18: 
12-17). To overpower Paul at sea, where there was no opportunity to escape, was a 
chance too good to be missed. Through Macedonia : Whether the journey from 
Corinth was made by land or water is not clear. The former route is commonly 
supposed to have been taken. (6) We : Luke, the writer of the Acts, as indicated by 
the personal pronoun, joined Paul on the second missionary journey at Troas (16: 
11-16). The third person used in 16 : 40 indicates that he remained at Philippi. The 
use of the first person, from 20 :6 on, shows that he rejoined Paul at Philippi on the 
third missionary journey and accompanied him to Jerusalem and to Rome. Days 
of unleavened bread: The Passover week (Ex. 12:1-20). Tarried (A. V., 
" abode ,: ) seven days : As Paul was eager to proceed, this delay was doubtless 
caused by inability to find a ship. (7) The first day of the week : The day 
after the Jewish sabbath, already observed by Christians as a day of worship in com- 
memoration of Jesus' resurrection (comp. 1 Cor. 16:2). To break bread: To 

xxxvi 



Appendix : Notes on Lesson jj. 

partake of the Lord's supper (comp. Acts 2:42, 46). (10) Embracing him* 
Camp, the example of Elijah (1 Ki. 17:21) and Eiisha (2 Ki. 4:34). 3Iakc ye 110 
ado : Better than the A. V., " Trouble not yourselves." Probably the bystanders had 
already begun to wail loudly in true Oriental fashion (comp. Mk. 5: 38). (1*5) We: 
Luke and the other companions of Paul. To go by land (A.Y., "afoot ") : A dis- 
tance of about twenty miles. The distance by water around the promontory was much 
greater. This overland journey may have been due to another attempt to throw Jewish 
plotters off the scent. (Id) Jerusalem . . . Pentecost: More than two of the 
seven weeks between the Pissover and the day of Pentecost had already passed (vss. 
6, T5). (17) From 31iletus: About forty miles. The elders of the church : 
Those who presided over it. In vs. 28 the same men are called " bishops " or " over- 
seers," showing that " eiders " and "bishops" were originally the same. The higher 
ecclesiastical order of bishops was developed gradually. 

Paul's ADDRESS, etc. Acts 20: 18-38. (18) Asia: The Roman province 
so called. (22) Bound in the spirit: Constrained by an urgent sense of duty. 
(23) The Holy Ghost testilietb (A. V., " witnesseth ")': Paul here probably refers 
not to inward warnings but to the inspired utterances of others (21 14, 11). (24) 31 y 
course : Comp. 2 Tim. 4 : 7. (25) Shall see my face no more : So Paul then 
thought; but it seems probable that he again visited Ephesus after his Roman impris- 
onment mentioned in Acts 28 : 30 (see 1 Tim. 1:3; 3 : 14). (27) Counsel of God : 
His plan for the world's redemption. (28) Bishops (A.V., "overseers"): Imply- 
ing not only government but pastoral oversight and instruction (see on vs. 17). To 
feed: More exactly, to be shepherds of. Purchased: Or, "acquired for himself." 
With his own biood : By shedding his blood. The whole expression emphasizes 
the sacrifice which Christ made for the redemption of men (comp. Mt. 20 : 28 ; Eph. 5 : 
25-27). (29) Grievous wolves: False teachers. (30) Perverse things: 
Literally, "things turned aside," that is, heresies. This prediction was fulfilled in the 
Apostle's own lite (1 Tim. 1:3, 4). Ephesus was afterwards the center of the great 
Gnostic heresy. (35) It . . . receive : A saying of Jesus not recorded in the 
Gospels. 

From Miletus to Jerusalem. Acts 21:1-16. (3) On the left hand: 

That is, they sailed south of Cyprus. (4) Through the Spirit, etc. : Unquestion- 
ably Paul also was guided by the Spirit in his determination to proceed to Jerusalem 
in spite of all perils. Was, then, the guidance of the Spirit contradictory? No; for 
the disciples at Tyre had probably only a revelation of the peril which Paul would 
encounter in Jerusalem, which they interpreted as a warning against his going there. 
(5) Accomplished the (A. V., " those ") days : The time necessary for unloading 
the ship's cargo (vs. 3). (8) The evangelist: This title appears to have been 
given to those who had no stated pastoral charge, but traveled from place to place and 
preached as they had opportunity (Eph. 4 : 11 ; 2 Tim. 4:5). One of the seven : 
Comp. Acts 6:5. (9) Virgins: That they all were unmarried and all prophesied 
implies that they had dedicated themselves to Christian service. Prophesy : On the 
gift of prophecy, see 1 Cor., chs. 12, 14. It meant not an ability to predict future 
events, but to preach the Gospel. In Queen Elizabeth's time "to prophesy" meant 
"to preach." (10) Agabus : Comp. Acts 11:28. (11) Taking (A. V., "took") 
Paul's girdle, etc. : An inslanceol the symbolic and dramatic way in which prophets 
often made their declarations (comp. 1 Ki. 22 : it ; Is. 20 : 1-3, etc.). (15) Baggage: 
The things necessary for the journey: "Carriages" in the A. V. means "things 
carried." 



Lesson 33. Paul's Reception in Jerusalem. 

Paul's Attempt at Conciliation. Acts 21 : 17-26. (18) The day fol- 
lowing: Probably at a more public reception than that mentioned in vs. 17. (20) 
Many thousands . . . zealous for (A. V.," of") the law : Having been brought 
up under the Jewish law they still clung to it, although now believers in Jesus. (21) 
That thou teachest, etc. : The charges were not literally true, since Paul had 
opposed the observance of the law only w hen such observance implied reliance on the 
law as a means of salvation (Gal. 2 : 14 ff. ; 5:2 ff.). To Jewish rites observed by Jews 

xxxvii 



Appendix : Notes on Lesson jj, 




as mere national customs he made no objection (i Cor. 7 : 18-20), nor had he appar- 
ently touched at all the question of the Jews' obedience to the law except when, as at 
Antioch (Gal. 2 : 11 ff.) , it interfered with his work among the Gentiles. Then he took 
a position which showed that he knew that the Gospel as preached by him really did 
away with legalism for the Jew as well as for the Gentile, and that it was only a ques- 
tion of time when both would be free from the ceremonial law. (23) A vow: This 
was probably the vow of a Nazirite (Num. 6: 2-21), which was usually continued for 
thirty days. At the end of that time the Nazirite had his hair cut and made an offer- 
ing in the temple. (24) These (A. V., "them ") take, etc.: It was considered an 
act of special merit to pay the expenses of a Nazirite's offering. To do this it was 
necessary that one should for a short time enter upon the same course of abstinence 
and consecration. (26) Then Paul took the men, etc. : This concession to the 
religious prejudices of the Jewish Christians was made by Paul in the interest of peace. 
Declaring (A. V., "to signify ') . . . purification : 'That is, Paul announced that 
in seven days the final offerings would be made. 

Paul Mobbed and Arrested. Acts 21:27-36. (27) Jews . . . Asia: 

Probably some of them were Ephesians. These were the unbelieving Jews, not the 
class that Paul was trying to conciliate. (28) Into the 
temple : Meaning, into the inner courts of the temple 
(see Cut). On the " Chel" (9 in Cut), which separated 
the outer from the inner courts, the following inscription 
was conspicuous: "No Man of Alien Race is to 
Enter within the Balustrade and Fence that 
Goes around the Temple; Whosoever is Taken 
(in the Act) Will Have Himself to Blame 
that Death Follows." (29) They supposed: 
They jumped to the conclusion. (31) Chief captain : 
Literally, "the commander of a thousand men." His 
name was Claudius Lysias (Acts 23:26). (32) Ran 
down : The Roman garrison was stationed in the Castle 
Antonia which was at the northwest angle of the temple 
area, and was connected with the temple porticoes by 
flights of steps (13 in Cut). 

Paul's Defense Before the Mob. Acts 21 : 37 
—22 : 22. (21 : 38) The (A. V., " that ") Egyptian : 

Josephus relates that not long before this an Egyptian 
leader of a robber band had gathered multitudes around 
him in rebellion and had been defeated by the Romans. 
Assassins (A. V., " murderers") : A name given to this 
they killed people secretly and treacherously. (21:40) 
The perfect composure of the prisoner, and the unusual 
spectacle of an address under such circumstances, had an immediate effect on the 
angry crowd. This is a good illustration of Paul's marvelous power. (22 : 3) Ac- 
cording to . . . fathers : In accordance with the strictness of the Mosaic law. 
(22:4) This "way: A common term for the Christian religion. (22:5) The 
high priest: A Sadducee by the name of Jonathan was probably the high priest 
about A.D. 35, and gave Paul " letters to Damascus " (Acts 9 : 1, 2). He was still alive 
at this time (about a.d. 58). The estate of the elders: Or, the Sanhedrin, the 
supreme court of the Jews. (22 : 6) About noon : In the full glare of a Syrian 
noonday a light would have to be supernaturally bright to make such an impression. 
(22 : 15) Unto all men : With great tact Paul carefully avoids here the use 
of the word Gentiles as he did not wish to antagonize unnecessarily the prejudice of 
his hearers, and as he wanted to narrate more fully the direct command to go to the 
Gentiles. (22 : 17) When . . . Jerusalem : After the sojourn in Arabia (Gal. 
1 : 17). Prayed in the temple : A phrase calculated to appease the feelings of his 
auditors as showing his adherence to Jewish customs and disproving the charge of 
hostility to them. It implied also that a message from heaven under such conditions 
must be one which all devout Jews should recognize as imperative and binding. 
(22 : 22) Unto this word : That is, until Paul spoke of preaching to the Gentiles. 
" The scene was ominously like that in which St. Stephen's speech ended." — Plumptre, 

xxxviii 



GENERAL PLAN OF THE 
TEMPLE. 

10. Court of the Gentiles, 
into which all were allowed 
to enter. 9. " Chel," or bal- 
ustrade, beyond which none 
but Jews were allowed to go 
on pain of death. 13. En- 
trance to the Castle Antonia. 

band of robbers because 
Made a great silence : 



Appendix : Notes on Lesson 34. 

Lesson 34. Paul Protected by his Roman Citizenship. 

Paul's Appeal to his Roman Citizenship. Acts 22:23-29. (24) Ex- 
amined by scourging : As the Roman officer did not understand Aramaic, the 
vernacular of the fews, he judged from the frenzy of the mob that Paul must be some 
desperate criminal, from whom it would be justifiable to extort a confession of his 
crime by torture. (25) Centurion : The officer detailed by "the chief captain " to 
attend to the scourging. Is it lawful, etc. : It was in fact a grave crime to scourge a 
Roman citizen. In this question Paul did not directly assert, but only implied, his 
citizenship. But so great was the respect for this privilege, and so certain was a false 
claim to be punished by immediate death, that the mere suggestion of such a rank was 
enough to arrest the proceedings, and cause the centurion to hasten to his superior 
with the exclamation, " What are you about? This man is a Roman." Note that in 
his letter to the governor (23 : 25-30) Lysias carefully concealed the fact that he had 
ordered Paul to be scourged, since thereby he had exposed himself to severe penalties. 
(28) With a great sum: Many persons bought the right of Roman citizenship. 
At fiist the price was very large, but afterwards through gross abuse it became only a 
trifle. I am a Roman (A. V., " I was free ") born : How Paul's father or other 
ancestor had obtained this coveted privilege is not known. (29) Because he had 
bound him: As a preparation for scourging. His subsequent exertions in Paul's 
behalf may have been inspired by the hope of thus arresting the danger that he was in 
for this violation of Roman law. 

Paul before the Sanhedrin. Acts 22:30—23:11. (22:30) The 

(A. V., "their") council: The Sanhedrin. (23:2) Ananias: Whether he was 
actually the high priest at this time is uncertain in view of the statements by Josephus. 
To smite, etc. : This outrage was apparently prompted by anger at Paul's assumption 
of equality in using the term " brethren," or at his presumption in claiming to be inno- 
cent. (23:3) Whited wall: A designation for a hypocrite {comp. Mt. 23:27), 
abundantly deserved not only in view of this particular act of brutality, but from 
Ananias's past character. Paul's reply was a natural and manly protest against a gross 
insult from a judge who might have been expected to act from higher motives than 
passion and prejudice. (23:5) I wist not, etc.: This clearly means that Paul 
was ignorant of the fact that Ananias claimed, or actually held, the office of high priest. 
It is written : In Ex. 22 : 28. (23 : 6, 7) I am a Pharisee, etc. : " Possibly the 
Pharisees in the Sanhedrin were disgusted at the brutal act of Ananias [a Sadducee], 
and were not sorry to hear him called ' a whited wall ' ; and St. Paul's quick intelligence 
saw at a glance that the whole council did not sympathize with their president, and 
divined the cause. With a ready wit, therefore, he proclaimed himself a Pharisee, and, 
seizing upon the great dogma of the resurrection which Christians held in common 
with the Pharisees, he rallied to his side all who were Pharisees in the assembly." — 
Hervcy. (23:9) And what if a spirit . . . or an angel : Abetter translation 
than in the A. V. " Let us not fight against God" is an interpolation omitted in the 
R. V. (23:10) The castle: The only place of safety for Paul in Jerusalem. 
(23 : 11) The Lord stood by him : A greatly needed encouragement amidst the 
deadly perils that surrounded him. 

Paul's Removal to C^esarea. Acts 23:12-35. (12) The Jews: Per- 
haps including some of Paul's enemies from Asia Minor. A curse : Literally " they 
anathematized themselves," that is, devoted themselves to destruction without remedy, 
if they failed in their purpose. Jewish casuistry could, however, easily obtain release 
from such a vow. (15) Or ever : Before. (16) Paul's sister's son : Paul's con- 
version doubtless caused a rupture between himself and his family. This act of kind- 
ness may point to a growing reconciliation. (23) Make ready, etc. : Such a large 
escort was needed to overawe any desperate attempt to carry out the plot, and it gives 
a vivid idea of the fury of Jewish mobs, and of the importance attached to the protec- 
tion of Paul as a Roman citizen. Third hour, etc.: Nine o'clock P.M. (24) 
Beasts : Either for relays, or for the transportation of Paul's baggage. Felix : See 
B. L). (25) Wrote a letter : As required by law, stating the reasons for the arrest. 
(27) Having . . . Roman: This was not strictly true. Lysias wished to conceal 
the fact that he had given orders to have Paul scourged. (31) Antipatris : See 
B. D. (35) In Herod's palace (A. V., "judgment hall") : Built by Herod the 

xxxix 



Appendix : Notes on Lesson 35. 

Great ; then occupied by the Roman procurators. The fact that Paul was assigned 
quarters within the palace indicates not only the respect accorded to him as a Roman, 
but that his social and financial position was such as to procure him the consideration 
never extended to a penniless man. His expenses during the next four years must have 
been quite large. As there are indications that his family was distinguished and well- 
to-do, Ramsay conjectures that the funds needed at this time may have been inherited, 
but not used during the previous missionary journeys. 



Lesson 35. Paul a Prisoner at Caesarea. 

Paul before Felix. Acts, ch. 24. (1) Orator : A lawyer, employed because 
of his familiarity with Roman law. (2) Seeing that, etc.: The introduction (vss. 
2*5-4) of the speech of Tertullus seems to be quite fully reported, whereas of the 
remainder only an abstract is given. By thee . . . peace (A. V., " quietness ") : 
Felix had at first done something toward suppressing the gangs of robbers who infested 
the country. Evils are corrected (A. V., "worthy deeds are done"): That is, 
reforms were instituted. This was true only in a measure, for he had committed many 
crimes. (3) Most excellent (A. V., " noble") : An official designation, like " you'r 
excellency." With all thankfulness : On the contrary, his official career aroused 
the maledictions of the Jews. (4) Clemency : Or " fairness," another unwarranted 
flattery. The gross servility of this address shows that the Jews hated a profligate 
heathen, guilty of heinous crimes against their nation, less than they hated Paul for 
preaching the Gospel to the heathen. They could " fawn " on the former " to get a judg- 
ment against the latter." (5) A mover of insurrections (A. V., " sedition ") : 
This was a charge of treason, and was therefore one of the most serious accusations 
on which a prisoner could be brought before a Roman judge. The riots attending 
Paul's work in Philippi, Thessalonica, Corinth, Ephesus, and Jerusalem were no doubt 
referred to in confirmation of this charge. Ringleader . . . Nazarenes : This 
was a charge of heresy. (6) Moreover (A. V., "also ") . . .temple: This was a 
charge of temple desecration. As the Romans protected the Jews in their worship, 
this charge made Paul answerable to Roman law. The passage 6&-&a in the A. V., 
"and would . . . unto thee " (see margin of R. V.),not being found in the best MSS., 
is excluded from the R. V., though some important considerations may be urged in its 
favor. (10) Many years : About seven. The usual term of office was about two 
years. I do cheerfully (A. V., " the more cheerfully") : The long term of Felix's 
governorship had made him well acquainted with the customs of the Jews and thus all 
the better able to judge such a case as Paul's. Compare the simplicity and truthfulness 
of this introduction with the abject flattery of Tertullus. (14) A sect (A. V., 
"heresy") : A school of religious opinion; not necessarily an error. The same name 
is applied to both Sadducees and Pharisees. Paul confessed that this second charge 
was true, but skilfully turned the charge into a defense by giving, as the marks of his 
party, the belief of all things which are according to the law, etc. (vss. 14, 15). Since 
Judaism was protected by the Roman law, and since Paul's faith was in every essential 
respect that of Judaism rightly understood, it followed that he as well as his accusers 
stood under the law. (15) Resurrection : Nole how Paul again brings in this doc- 
trine, for believing which the Pharisees in the Sanhedrin had vigorously defended him 
only a few days before. (16) Herein: Has reference to the entire confession 
embraced in the two preceding verses. Exercise myself: Strive. Void of 
offence : Without consciousness of sin. (18, 19) Jews from Asia . . . ought 
to have been here : Because they had instigated the riot in the temple and so caused 
his arrest. (22) Having . . . Way : Felix knew enough about Christianity to see 
that there was no just cause for condemning Paul, but he feared to infuriate the Jews 
by releasing him. This was in one sense a favor to Paul, for if he had been released 
he would probably have been murdered. (23) Indulgence (A. V., "liberty"): 
Showing the good impression that Paul had made on Felix. (24) Drusilla : 
See B. D. (25) Of righteousness : Before Felix, guilty of innumerable crimes ! 
Temperance: Self-control, the restraint of sensual appetites and passions — before 
Drusilla, the profligate Jewish princess ! Terrified (A. V., " trembled ") : A mo- 
mentary awakening of conscience ; he was not used to hearing such matters spoken of. 
(26) Money : See Explanatory Note on Acts 23 : 35, Lesson 34. 

xl 



Appendix : Notes on Lesson j6. 

Paul before Festus, etc. Acts 25 : 1-12. (5) Which are of power 

(A. V., "able"): That is, the rulers and the chief priests. (11) I appeal unto 
Caesar: That is, from this lower court to the highest court in the empire. This was 
Paul's right as a Roman citizen, and he knew that he could get no justice from the 
Jews. Nero was at this time emperor of Rome. His persecutions of the Christians 
did not begin until some years later. By this appeal Paul escaped the perils which 
beset him from the jews in Judea, and from the proverbial injustice of the provincial 
courts. He may also have been influenced by the fact that he would thus reach Rome 
under the protection of the Roman government, and by the hope that in some way 
he might be permitted to preach the Gospel there even if he did not receive an immedi- 
ate trial and release. (12) Council : Officers appointed by the procurator to aid in 
the administration of justice. 

Lesson 36. Paul's Defense before Agrippa. 

Paul Brought before Agrippa. Acts 25:1.3-27. (13) Agrippa: Herod 
Agrippa II, brother of Felix's wife Drusilla (Acts 24:24); see B. D. Herniee : 
Sister of Agrippa and Drusilla; see B. D. And saluted (A. V., "to salute") 
Festtis : Agrippa being a vassal king, under the Romans, of a large territory east of 
the Jordan, came to pay his respects to the newly appointed representative of the 
Roman empire. (14) Festus laid (A. V., "declared") . . . the king: Sought 
Agrippa's advice about Paul, because he knew much more about Jewish affairs than 
Festus did. (18) Such ... as I supposed: That is, some crime against the 
Roman law. (19) Religion.: Not " superstition " as in the A. V. The word does 
not describe the character of the religion referred to. (23) Pomp: Showy appear- 
ance, display. (25) The emperor (A. V., "Augustus"') : Literally, " the venerable," 
— a title given by the Roman senate to Octavius, the first emperor of Rome, and 
afterwards used of the succeeding emperors. Augustus, the Latin form of the word, 
passed imo a proper name when it was adopted as a title. (26) No certain thing 
to wiite : Since no crime was proved against Paul, Festus should have released him 
at once. The fact that he did not, and that his suggestion of a transfer of the case to 
Jerusalem had forced the prisoner to appeal to Caesar, now placed Festus himself in 
an awkward position before the emperor. My lord : A title then recently adopted by 
the Roman emperors. 

Paul's Defense before Agrippa. Acts, ch. 26. (1) Agrippa said: As 
the guest of the occasion, Agrippa presided by courtesy. (2) 1 think myself 

happy: "After so many attempts to make himself understood before such men as 
Lysias, Felix and Festus, Paul could congratulate himself in now addressing one who 
could understand his case." — Clark. (4) At Jerusalem: Paul had gone thither 
from Tarsus to study under Gamaliel (Acts 22:3). (,">) A Pharisee: In respect 
to the resurrection, one of the fundamental doctrines of the Pharisees, Paul was still a 
Pharisee. (6) The hope of the promise : " The hope of the kingdom of Christ 
which necessarily implied the resurrection of the dead. This hope, which rested upon 
God's promise to the fathers, Paul clung to; this hope his Sadducean peisecutors 
denied. He, then, was the tine Jew; he was faithful to Moses and the prophets." — 
Hervey. (7) Our twelve tribes: That is, all Israel now represented by the Jew- 
ish people. Hope to attain (A. V., " come ") : The promise to the fathers was the 
great national hope of the Jews. The Pharisees especially showed their inconsistency 
in persecuting Paul because of his belief in this promise, or its fulfilment. (10) The 
saints: The Christians. 1 gave my vote (A. V., "voice") against them: I 
encouraged or approved the sentence of death. This does not necessarily imply that 
Paul was a member of the Sanhedrin, although he may have been. (11) Blas- 
pheme :_ Renounce their faith in Christ. (14) In the Hebrew language (A. V., 
"tongue") : A detail, not mentioned in the other two accounts of this event (Acts 9: 
4; 22:7). It is hard, etc. : A proverb taken from oxen that kick when pricked by 
the driver's goad, and so are hurt the more. (16) Things . . . seen: The appearance 
of Christ at noonday. Things . . . unto thee : Revelations of truth to be made to 
Paul in the future. (17) Delivering . . . Gentiles: An assurance of bodily pro- 
tection. (20) Works worthy of (A. V., "meet for") repentance: "Here 
Paul, as was his custom always in his teachings, is careful to show that his theology was 

xli 



Appendix : Notes on Lesson jy. 



something more than a creed ; it was a life." — Howson and Spence. (22) Saying 
. . . prophets, etc. : The Jewish religion founded on Moses and the prophets was 
protected by the Roman law. Paul's argument therefore was that his preaching was 
not unlawful, and that he ought to be acquitted. (24) Madness (A. V., : ' mad ") : A 
belief in a resurrection of the dead seemed to Festus evidence of a disordered mind. 
(28) With but little persuasion thou wouldest fain make me a Chris- 
tian : More accurate than the A. V., " almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian." 
The words were probably sarcastic and indicate Agrippa's desire to evade Paul's 
personal appeal. 



Lesson 37. Paul's Voyage and Shipwreck. 



crtZENwiM 




35*55 N.LAT.. 



NAUTICAL I or GEOGRAPHICAL) MILES 



0R Ha lt A #^«g*^:g 



Map to Illustrate the Shipwreck of St. Paul. 

Remark 13. — The Shipwreck at Melita. The accompanying map shows 
that part of the coast of Malta where the shipwreck of Paul doubtless occurred. The 
bay is still known as St. Paul's Bay. On the map, note (i) the direction of the wind, 
east-northeast. (2) That a vessel " lying to " in a heavy storm, close hauled to the 
wind (which in the case of ancient vessels would be about seven points off), would 
head north by east. (3) That under such conditions the drift would be west by north 
at an average rate of a mile and a half an hour, or 36 miles in 24 hours ; a vessel, 
therefore, having run out from under the lee of Cauda, or Clauda, would pass Koura 
Point in 13 days and 8 hours, or during " the fourteenth night " (Acts 27: 27a). (4) 
That at A, the sound of breakers on Koura Point would be heard distinctly enough to 
indicate the nearness of some shore (vs. 27^). (5) That just beyond Koura Point the 
soundings are as given in the narrative (vs. 28). (6) That from the place where the 
ship was anchored at B, the narrow channel between Salmonetta Island and the main- 
land would appear like "a certain bay," or "creek" (vs. 39). (7) That when the 
anchors had been cast off and the ship beached in the tenacious mud at C, the bow 
would be held fast, but the stern would speedily be broken up by the waves sweeping 
through the channel, which was now found to be, not a " bay," but " a place where 
two seas met " (vs. 41). 

From C^esarea to Melita. Acts, ch. 27. (1) We: Paul, Luke the writer, 
and Aristarchus (vs. 2; see B. D.). Augustan (A. V., "Augustus"') band: Or 
" troop of the emperor," probably " a colloquial way of describing a corps of officer- 
couriers." (2) And . . . Asia : Here and throughout the chapter the R. V. is very 
different from the A. V., and gives a much more accurate translation. (4) Under 

xlii 



Appendix : Notes on Lesson 38. 

. . . Cyprus : That is, around the eastern end of the island, on account of the 
westerly winds that blow steadily in the Levant during summer. (7) Slowly many 
days :' The distance from Myra to Cnidus is about 130 miles; with a fair wind it 
could have been sailed in 24 hours. Not . . . suffering; lis : Not permitting them 
to continue further in this direction, or, perhaps, not allowing them to take shelter in 
the harbor of Cnidus. Under . . . Crete : That is, around the eastern end of 
Crete so as to be sheltered from the west wind (see map in Introduction). (9) The 
Fast: The public fast (Lev. 16:29 ff. ; 23:27 ff.) on the great day of atonement, 
which in that year (a. D. 60) occurred September 24, or about the time when naviga- 
tion became especially dangerous. Admonished them : Paul probably suggested 
that they pass the winter at Fair Havens. (13) Their purpose: Namely, to reach 
the harbor of Phoenix (A. V., "Phenice"), forty miles from Fair Havens. (14) 
Down from it : Better, " against it," that is, the ship, as in the A. V. Kuraquilo 
v-\. V., " Furoclydon ") : A typhoon, or hurricane, well known in the eastern Mediter- 
ranean and now called by sailors "a Levanter." It blew from the east-northeast. 
(16) The boat: Which the vessel had been towing. (17) Under-girding the 
ship: That is, they passed cables or hawsers around the hull of the vessel lest the 
timbers should spread and the ship spring aleak. The Syrtis (A. V., " quick- 
sands ") : See B. D., and map in Introduction. They lowered the gear : Not 
"strake sail'' as in the A. V. It means, probably, that they lowered the heavy yard 
which held the mainsail, so as to reef that sail. (19) The tackling: Perhaps the 
furniture is meant, but more probably a part of the rigging. (20) Neither sun, 
etc.: Since the ancients had no compass they could get their bearings only from the 
sun or stars. (24) Thou . . . Ca?sar: This was God's purpose for Paul (23:11). 
(27) Driven to and fro (A. V., "up and down"): This expression probably 
refers to the tossing of the ship to and fro by the wind and waves rather than to any 
variation of its general direction ; vss. 15-17 taken with 28 : 1 indicate that the general 
course was in one direction. (33) Having taken nothing: " Nothing adequate 
to their nourishment." No cooking would be possible during such a storm ; besides, 
the anxiety and despair would leave little appetite. (39) A certain bay (A.V., 
"creek") : See Remark 13 (6). (40) And casting, etc.: The A. V. is very inac- 
curate in this sentence. Loosing the bands of the rudders (A. V., " loosed the 
rudder bands") : Vessels of this period had two rudders which were simply broad 
paddles on each side of the stern. These were drawn and made fast to the ship when 
the vessel was anchored. The foresail : Sailors agree that it must have been a fore- 
sail rather than "the mainsail," as in the A. V., which was used at this critical time. 
(41) Where two seas met : See Remark 13 (7). (42) To kill the prisoners: 
Roman soldiers were held responsible with their own lives for the escape of prisoners 
put in their charge. 

From Melita to Rome. Acts 28:1-15. (2) Barbarians (A. V.," bar- 
barous people") : See B. U. (6) Swollen, etc.: From the bite. That he "was a 
god: Conip. Acts 14:11, 12. (10) Honours: Special courtesies and acts of kind- 
ness. (11) After three months: That is, at about the beginning of February. 
Sign: Figurehead. The Twin Brothers : That is, "Castor and Pollux" (A. V.), 
the tutelary gods of seamen. (13) We made a circuit (A.V., " fetched a com- 
pass") : Referring to the tacking of the ship required by the wind. (14) So we 
came to (A. V., " went toward ") Rome: Probably the route taken was to Capua, 
twelve miles north of Puteoli, and thence by the Appian Way, 135 miles, to Rome. 
(15) Thanked God, etc. : Paul had not been at all sure of the reception he might 
receive at Rome. This evident cordiality among the brethren was a great comfort to 
him. 



Lesson 38. Paul's First Roman Imprisonment. 

Paul a Prisoner in Rome. Acts 28:16-31. (16) To abide (A. V., 

"dwell") by himself: Roman prisoners not charged with serious offenses were 
often allowed to live where they chose, but were compelled to be bound with a chain 
to some soldier who was relieved at stated intervals. In this way Paul became 
acquainted " throughout the whole praetorian guard " (A. V., " in all the palace ") ( Phil. 
1 : 13). (17) After three days : Probably as soon as he got a little settled after his 

xliii 



Appendix : Notes on Lesson 38. 

journey (see below on vs. 23). 1 had done (A. V. 
etc. : Paul at the outset was anxious to show that his imprisonment was due to no 
crime that he had committed, but entirely to his faithfulness to his divine mission. 
(18) Desired to set me at liberty (A. V., "would have let me go ") : This is a 
fact not previously stated in connection with Paul's trials in Csesarea. (19) To 
accuse my nation of: Though Paul had been so unjustly treated and had suffered 
so much at the hands of his countrymen, he is still a loyal Jew who loves his nation. 
(20) The hope of Israel : The glorious kingdom to be established by the Messiah, 
called below (vs. 23), "the kingdom of God." See Note on Acts 26 : 6, Lesson 36. 
This chain: See Note on vs. 16, above, and Eph. 6:20; Phil. 1:7, 13; Col. 4: 18. 
Paul's meaning seems to be this, " I have asked you to come to me because this chain 
which binds me is not a token of a renegade Israelite who has come to Rome to accuse 
his nation before the heathen master, but of a faithful Israelite who has endured bond- 
age rather than forsake the hope of his fathers." — Hervey. (22) Spoken against: 
We learn from Roman historians that base calumnies were spread abroad concerning 
the followers of Jesus of Nazareth. (23) His lodging: Probably in the home of 
some Christian. Later he hired a dwelling for himself (vs. 30). (25) One word: 
One final message as the Jews were departing. By Isaiah (A. V., " Esaias ") : Comp. 
Is. 6 : 9, 10. (29) Omitted in the best MSS., and therefore in the R. V. (30) Hired 
dwelling (A. V., "house") : See Note on Acts 23:35; Lesson 34. The cost of 
house-rent and provisions and the expenses of the trial must have been heavy. Dur- 
ing that time the Philippians sent him gifts for which he was tenderly grateful (Phil. 
4: 11, 17, 18). 

The Gospel Furthered by Paul's Imprisonment. Phil.l: 12-26. (13) 
Became manifest in Christ (A. V., " in Christ are manifest") : That is, became 
manifest that he was not in bonds as an ordinary prisoner, but because of his relation 
to Christ. Throughout the whole praetorian guard : This is probably a better 
translation of the word " praetorium " than that in the A. V., " in all the palace." Since 
Paul was constantly chained to some soldier of the praetorian guard, but to no partic- 
ular one for more than a few hours at a time, he must, in his long imprisonment, have 
come into close contact with very many of them. To all the rest : Not as in the 
A. V., "in all other places." It refers doubtless to others, besides the soldiers, who 
came into contact with Paul. It may include those in "Caesar's household" (4:22), 
which probably denotes servants or slaves, rather than courtiers of high rank or even 
members of the imperial family, as some have conjectured. (15) Some indeed 
. . . strife: Referring to the Judaizers who troubled him greatly {comp. 3:2-9). 
They preached Christ, indeed, but tried also to counteract the influence of Paul and to 
subject the converts from heathenism to the yoke of the law. (16, 17) These verses 
are in the inverse order in the A. V. To raise up (A. V., "add ") affliction : To 
annoy and hinder me in my work. (18) I rejoice: He rejoiced because it was bet- 
ter, to have Christ preached imperfectly than not at all. (19) My salvation : Not 
his personal safety, but the development of his spiritual life. The Apostle's thought is, 
"This joy of mine is reasonable because I know that my sufferings from envy and strife 
will only cause you Philippians to pray for me the more earnestly, so that my imprison- 
ment may be no reason for my holding back the truth, but that Christ may be glorified 
by my courageous testimony whether I am released or suffer martyrdom." (20) 
Magnified: Set forth and glorified. (21) To me to live is Christ: That is, I 
live only to serve Him. (25) I know that I shall abide : A conviction, based 
apparently on what he had just said about his being needful to them, that this imprison- 
ment would eventually terminate in his release and a visit to the Philippians, as it 
actually seems to have done (see 1 Tim. 1:3). 



xliv 



Appendix : Notes on Lesson 40. 

Lesson -M). Paul and Onesimus. 

Introductory Addriss, etc. Philemon, vss. 1-7. (1) Paul: See Expl. 

Note on Rom. i : i, Lesson 30. Prisoner of Christ Jesus (A. V., "Jesus 
Christ") : That is, one who suffers captivity on account of the gospel of Jesus Christ. 
Paul did not call himself an Apostle, because he was not exercising his apostolic 
authority but asking a favor of a friend. Philemon: See B. D. It is nowhere stated 
that he resided in Colosse, but this is inferred from the fact that " Philemon and 
Archippus are saluted together (I hilemon, vss. i, 2), and hence, as Archippus was an 
officer in the church at Colosse (Col. 4:17). Philemon must have been a Colossian," 
and Onesimus, his slave, a Colossian aiso. (2) Apphia . . . Arehippus: As 
these two persons are mentioned jointly with Philemon m a private letter touching a 
family matter, many have inferred that Apphia was Philemon's wife and Archippus their 
son. Church in thy house: That portion of the Colossian church which was 
accustomed to meet in Philemon's house. Note the tact of the Apostle in enlisting the 
interest of this portion of the church in the affair of Onesimus, and in not bringing it 
before the whole church. (5) Thy love: The arrangement should perhaps be as 
follows: "The faith which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and thy love toward all 
the saints." It was to this Christian love that Paul was about to appeal. (6) The 
fellowship (A. V., "communication"), etc.: Participation in all the blessings and 
graces that spring from faith. Paul's prayer for Philemon is that he may enjoy a con- 
stantly enlarging experience of everything that would bring good to himself and 
honor to Christ. (7) Hearts: Literally, " bowels," as in the A. V, The Greek word 
included the heart, lungs, liver, etc., which were regarded as the seat of the affections 
and emotions (see also vss. 12 and 20). Saints . . . refreshed : They had experi- 
enced tie hospitality and benefactions of Philemon. Before Paul mentions Onesimus, 
he skilfully notices these excellent traits in Philemon as a ground for similar kindness 
toward the returned slave, now a saint also. 

Paul's Intercession, etc. Philemon, vss. 8-25. (8) Boldness (A. V., 

"bold") ... to enjoin: In the exercise of his authority as an Apostle of Christ. 
(9) For love's sake : Paul would win the glad consent of Philemon rather than 
compel a reluctant acquiescence. Aged, and ... a prisoner: Two pathetic 
considerations why the favor should be granted. (10) ]My child (A. V., "son") 
. . . begotten: Note how delicately Paul introduces the fact of the spiritual birth, 
before mentioning the name of Onesimus, for this name should stand at the close of 
the verse, as in the R. V. (11) Unprofitable : By running away. Profitable : To 
Philemon as a better servant, and to Paul as a fruit of his ministry. (12) My very 
heart (A. V., " mine own bowels ") : That is, dear to me as my very heart. (13) In 
thy behalf (A. V., "stead"), etc.: Out of regard to the debt which Philemon as a 
convert owed to Paul and his teacher. (15) For a season, etc.: Paul suggests 
that through Onesimus's flight he had been won into the eternal companionship of 
Philemon as a Christian brother. (10) Servant : Properly, a slave. Among the 
Greeks and Romans of that period slavery was universal; every form of work, 
domestic, agricultural, in the mines, in manufactures or in commerce, was done by 
them. During the centuries immediately preceding and following the Christian era, 
the number of slaves in the Roman world, as compared with free men, is estimated as 
three to one. "The entire number of slaves in- Italy would thus have been, in the 
reign of Claudius, 20,832,000, that of the free population being 6,944,000." — Ency. 
Brit. A brother beloved : One received as a beloved Christian brother could not 
long be treated as a slave. Hence Paul felt that no distinct appeal for his liberation 
was needed. The first effort of Christianity was to mitigate slavery, then to abolish it. 
(17) A partner: A partaker with Philemon of the Christian faith. Unless Phile- 
mon was ready to regard Paul as an outcast from this faith, let him show it by receiv- 
ing the slave as he would receive Paul himself. (18) Wronged thee: By his 
flight. It is unneccessary to assume that he had also robbed Philemon. Ovveth 
thee aught (A. V., " ought") : Through lack of service that he had failed to render, 
or for any other reason. (19) I Paul: The Apostle here added his own signature 
to his promise. But he is confident that his friend and brother, Philemon, will not 
make such a demand, for, as he playfully reminds him, he could make a far larger 
counter-charge. (21) Having confidence, etc. : Paul knew Philemon so well that 

xlv 



Appendix : Notes on Lesson 41. 

he was sure he would far exceed the favor he had asked. (22) Prepare . . . 
lodging : This shows that at this time Paul anticipated a speedy release from the 
captivity in which Luke's narrative left him. 



Lesson 41. Paul's Joy over the Philippians. 

Pauls Joy, etc. Scattered References. (Phil. 1:5) Your fellowship, 

etc. : Their assistance in extending a knowledge of the Gospel, shown especially in 
their repeated contributions toward the support of Paul in his missionary work. 
(1 : 8) In the tender mercies of, etc. : Literally, " bowels," as in the A. V. The 
heart, lungs and liver, not the lower intestines, were considered by the ancients to be 
the seat of the emotions and passions, such as love, pity, anger, etc. When Paul, 
then, speaks of cherishing the Philippians not so much in his own heart as in the heart 
of Christ, he uses a strong metaphor to describe the perfect union between himself and 
Christ. " Not Paul, but Jesus Christ lives in Paul, wherefore Paul is not moved in the 
heart of Paul, but of Jesus Christ." — Bengel. (1:9) Knowledge: Acquaintance 
with the Gospel. Discernment (A. V., "judgment") : Keenness of spiritual per- 
ception. (1:10) Things that are excellent: The Apostle prays that they may 
have power to distinguish, not merely good from bad, for that requires no great moral 
keenness ; but the best things among the good, those things " whose excellence none 
but the more advanced perceive." (2 : 1, 2) If there is (A. V., " be ") , etc. : Light- 
foot gives the meaning of these verses as follows : " If then your experience in Christ 
appeals to you with any force, if love exerts any persuasive power upon you, if your 
fellowship in the Spirit is a living reality, if you have any affectionate yearnings of 
heart, any tender feelings of compassion, listen and obey. Now fill my cup of joy to 
overflowing, live in unity among yourselves, animated by an- equal and mutual love, 
knit together in all your sympathies and affections, united in all your thoughts and 
aims." (4 : 1) Crown : Not a royal diadem, but the wreath with which victors were 
crowned in the Olympic games. The Philippians were his garland of victory. 
(4:10) Revived (A. V., " flourished again "), etc. : This does not imply that the 
Philippians had at any time lost their interest in Paul. There had been delay in for- 
warding their gifts, but Paul hastens to say that this delay had arisen from circum- 
stances beyond their control. (4:14) Had fellowship (A. V., " did communi- 
cate") with my affliction : In sharing their resources with the Apostle, they shared 
the burden of his trials. (4 : 18) Odour, etc. : An expression used in connection 
with the Old Testament sacrifices, to denote the pleasure they gave to God (Gen. 8 : 
21 ; Ex. 29:18). (4:19) My God: The servant could not repay their kindness, 
but God, his Master, shall fulfil, that is, fill full, every need, not every want, of theirs. 

Exhortations to Humility, etc. Phil. 2:1-16. (3) Faction (A. V., 

" strife ") : Paul does not say that divisions existed among the Philippians, but gently 
implies it. (5) This mind : The humility and unselfishness of Christ, which would 
be the most effectual remedy for divisions. (6) In the form of God : " Form " 
here denotes not merely an outward appearance possessed temporarily, as "fashion" 
does in vs. 8, but the essential powers and attributes of God in the manner or mode of 
God's existence. Counted it not a prize (A. V.," thought it not robbery"), etc. : He 
did not selfishly and ambitiously grasp the honor and dignity^of being on a perfect 
equality with God, but was so by nature. (7) Emptied himself (A. V., " made 
himself of no reputation") : That is, voluntarily relinquished, not His divine nature, 
for that could not be, but all His former power and glory. Form of a servant: 
" Form " here is the same word as in vs. 6 " form " of God. It means that Christ took 
on Himself a true human nature. He was truly God and became truly man. 
" Servant," literally " slave," refers to His entire subjection to the Father's will. Like- 
ness of men : He took the external appearance of man, whose human nature He 
assumed. (8) Becoming (A. V.," became") obedient . . . cross: There were 
two steps in our Lord's humiliation, from Godhead to a sinless manhood, and from a 
sinless manhood to the death of a malefactor on the cross. (9) The (A. V., "a") 
name: Not any peculiar title, such as Saviour or Lord. The word stands here for 
rank, office, dignity. (10) In the name : Not " at the name," as in the A. V. AU 

xlvi 



Appendix : Notes on Lesson 42. 

prayer must be offered in His name, or through His mediation. Every knee, etc.: 
The supremacy of Christ is to be universally acknowledged {coinp. Rom. 14 : n ; 1 Cor. 
15:24-28). (12) Work out: Complete that which God has begun. Fear and 
trembling : A real solicitude to do what pleases God. (16) In the day of Christ : 

The coming again of Christ, which Paul hoped to live and witness. The faithfulness 
and consistency of his converts would then form a large part of his joy and reward. 



Lesson 42. Paul's Teaching Concerning the Supremacy of Christ. 

Remark 14. — The Coi.ossian Herksy. (i) Its Origin and Claims. — This error, 
half Jewish, half heathen, seems to have been " a general impulse of the human mind 
which made itself felt at that period in all schools and in all creeds." It claimed to be 
a great " mystery" (Col. 1 : 26, 27) not to be imparted to the vulgar masses; it made 
" a show of wisdom " (2 : 23) by which the initiated were " vainly puffed up " (2 : 18) to 
regard themselves as far superior to those who had the simple Gor.pel only. 

(2) Its Character. — This speculation started with the idea that matter is essentially 
evil, and not to be thought of as a direct creation of God, who is essentially good. 
The distance between God and matter was imagined to be spanned by ranks of angels, 
of whom the highest rank emanated directly from God, the second rank from the first, 
and so on to the lowest. Through them the "fulness" of God was revealed. But as 
light, receding from its source, becomes weaker until it is lost in darkness, so these 
emanations, receding from God, retained less and less of the divine until finally they 
became wholly evil. This is suggested by the names applied to these successive ranks 
— "thrones," "dominions," "principalities," "powers" (Col. 1 : 16"), " world-rulers of 
this darkness" (A. V., 'rulers of the darkness of this world'), "spiritual hosts of 
wickedness in the heavenly (A. V., 'high') places" (Eph.6: 12). These last could with- 
out prejudice to God be regarded as the creators of matter, and of this evil world. 
God, infinitely removed, could not be worshiped directly, but only through these 
"angels " (Col. 2 : 18) who mediated between Him and the world. 

(3) Its Effect. — This alluring and high-sounding philosophy dethroned Christ from 
His supremacy as the only Son of God, Creator of all things, and sole Mediator 
between God and men. It also set aside the work of Christ as the Saviour from sin ; 
since, if evil is only a property of matter, sin must have its seat in the flesh, and must 
be overcome by ascetic practices, such as abstinence from meat and drink (Col. 2 : 16, 
21,22) and "severity to (A. V., 'neglecting of) the body" (vs. 23). It thusswept 
away the foundations of the Gospel, and in its place gave to its deluded followers nothing 
but empty words and phrases. 

The Supreme Lordship of Christ. Col. 1:15-23. (15) Who is, etc.: 
In verses 15-23 Paul meets the Colossian heresy by a remarkable exposition of the true 
dignity and work of Christ, which not only corrects all that was falsely affirmed of Him 
by the errorists, but establishes positively and firmly the true doctrine (see Remark 14 
(3) ). Image: "The visible manifestation of that in God which is invisible." — 
Alford. Firstborn, etc. : Holding to the whole creation the relation of first born, 
that is, superior to it by a right like that of primogeniture. (16) In (A. V., "by") 
him . . . created : Christ was the divine Being in whom all created things found 
the Source of their existence {comp. Jo. 1:1-3). Whether . . . powers: See 
Remark 14 (2). Through (A. V., "by") him: Through His instrumentality. 
Unto (A. V., " for") him : To work out for His purposes, which were the Father's 
purposes. (17) Is before: Is antecedent to. In (A. V., " by ") him . . . con- 
sist : In Him all created beings are held together as united parts of one whole. He 
is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. (18) The head of the body, the 
church : The head guides and inspires the body, and without it the body would die. 
So of Christ and His church. (19) All the fulness (A. V., " all fulness ") : All the 
perfections of God together with all the perfections of man, so that as Head of the 
church He might become a perfect Mediator between God and men. (20) 
Whether . . . heavens (A. V., " heaven ") : The reconciliation with God effected 

xlvii 



Appendix : Notes on Lesson 4.2. 

by Christ is to extend throughout the universe. (23) Preached . . . heaven: An 
emphatic way of indicating how wide-spread the preaching of Christ had already 
become. 

Remark 15. — The Epistle to the Ephesians. This Epistle was probably a 
circular letter to several churches in Asia, including that at Ephesus. That it is appar- 
ently addressed to Gentiles only is doubtless due to the predominantly Gentile char- 
acter of these churches, and to the fact that Paul as the Apostle to the Gentiles 
customarily addressed chiefly the Gentile element in the churches ; its teachings were 
moreover especially adapted to strengthen Gentiles in their faith. In all probability 
this Epistle is the one spoken of in Col. 4 : 16 as " from Laodicea," that is, coming by 
way of Laodicea. 

Eph. 1:9, 10, 20-23. (10) Dispensation . . . times: That period in the 
world's historv which is characterized by the preaching of the Gospel, and which was 
ushered in when the previous preparatory period was completed {comp. Gal. 4:4). 
All things in Christ: Who is to be made the Center of the universe. (20) 
Right hand: The place of authority and power. (21) Rule (A. V., "princi- 
pality"), and authority (A. V., " power"), etc. : See Remark 14 (2). (22) Gave 
him . . . church: The absolute supremacy of Christ in the universe is given to 
Him in the interest of human redemption, that is, for the sake of the church. 

Warnings against the Colossian Heresy. Col., ch. 2. (2) The mys- 
tery of God, etc. : Paul uses the word " mystery," a favorite one with the false 
teachers, to describe God's eternal purpose, once hidden but now made known through 
Christ, of saving all men, Gentiles as well as Jews, through simple faith in Christ 
{comp. 1:26,27; Eph. 1 : 9, 10). (4) That no one (A. V., " lest any man "), etc. : 
A reference to the false teachers who had appeared in Colosse. (8) Maketh 
spoil of you (A. V., "spoil you"), etc.: That is, carry you away as captives. 
Tradition of men : That is, teaching which has only a human origin and authority 
{comp. Mk. 7:8). The rudiments of the world': Beliefs and practices, Jewish 
or heathen, whose imperfections were manifest, and which ought to be discarded now 
that the full truth is come in Christ. (9) In him . , . bodily : See Note on 1 : 19, 
above. (10) Ye are made full (A. V., "ye are complete ") : As all the treasures 
of wisdom and knowledge are contained in Christ, you do not need to seek them in 
foolish human inventions. (11) Circumcised, etc.: The emphasis laid by Paul on 
spiritual circumcision implies that those who were seeking to lead the Colossians into 
ascetic practices laid equal emphasis on circumcision in the flesh. (14) The bond 
written in (A. V., " the handwriting of") ordinances: The Mosaic law with its 
decrees and penalties {comp. Eph. 2: 15). Nailing . . . cross: A figurative way of 
saying that by means of Christ's death men are freed from the requirements of the 
Old Testament law. (16) IJet . . .judge: By compelling you to submit to ascetic 
practices and to rites and ceremonies such as are here indicated. (17) A shadow, 
etc. : Comp. Heb. 10 : 1. The Jewish ritual was intended to suggest and prepare for 
the freedom of the service of Christ. The body : The substance, the essential 
reality. This is found in that which belongs to Christ. (18) Worshipping . . . 
angels: See Remark 14 (2). Dwelling in (A. V., "intruding into"): Investi- 
gating, or busying himself with. Things . . . seen : Supposed visions of the un- 
seen world concerning which many delighted to speculate. (19) Not holding . . . 
Head : The characteristic of the false teachers, who, in their teachings about angels, 
etc., robbed Christ of the supremacy that belonged to Him. (20, 21) If ye died 
(A. V., " be dead "), etc. : It is absurd for you Christians, who are freed from the rudi- 
ments of the world (see Notes on vs. 8, above), to allow those who are si ill enslaved by 
these things to say to you Handle not, etc., concerning meats or drinks that are 
innocent in themselves. Note that the prohibitions in vs. 21 are quoted by Paul from 
the false teachers, and that these prohibitions are condemned by him. (23) Will- 
worship : Self-imposed, and hence unnecessary and useless, worship; here referring 
to the misdirected zeal and practices of ascetics. Severity to (A. V., " neglecting 
of") the body: See Remark 14 (3). Not . . . flesh: These ascetic practices do 
not avail in subduing sin. 



xlviii 



Appendix : Notes on Lesson 43. 
Lesson 43. Paul's Final Work Among the Churches. 

(References arranged in order of books and chapters, not of questions.) 

1 Timothy. (1:3) Exhorted (A. V., "besought") thee: A strong expres- 
sion, which seems to imply that Timothy had been eager to accompany Paul, and 
minister to his needs. Ephesus . . . Macedonia: If Paul realized his expecta- 
tion of visiting Philippi a short time after his release (Phil. 2 : 24), this v\ould be the 
second visit to Macedonia during the period of his liberty (see Notes 81, 82). (1 : 4) 
Fables: Perhaps Jewish stories similar to those related in the Talmud. Endless 
genealogies: What Paul refers to is not clear. Some understand the phrase to 
refer to Jewish pedigrees by which individuals claimed descent from illustrious Old 
Testament ancestors ; others understand them to refer to successive ranks of " emana- 
tions," of which the Gnostic heresy regarded Christ as one (see Remark 14, Lesson 
42). A dispensation (A. V., "godly edifying") . . . faith: The Gospel as 
delivered by revelation and received by faith."' (3:1) Bishop: The word means 
an "overseer," and designated one of the superior officials of the local church. They 
were also called " elders " (Acts 20: 17, comp. vs. 28), and "pastors " (Eph.4:n). Of 
these bishops, or elders, each church might have several (Acts n :3o; 20 : 17 ; 21 : 18). 
Their duties were mainly spiritual, such as caring for the religious interests of the 
church, preaching in public, teaching in private, visiting the sick, and receiving 
strangers. Since the duties of the New Testament bishop were limited to a particular 
church, it is obvious that the office was essentially different from that of later bishops 
whose supervision extended to a large number of churches. (3 : 6) Condemna- 
tion of the devil : This may mean either the condemnation into which the devil 
fell through pride {comp. 2 Pet. 2 : 4), or the accusation which the devil brings against 
the brethren (Rev. 12:10; Job 1:9-11; Zech. 3:1,2). (3:8) Deacons: the word 
diakonos denotes primarily one who executes the commands of another, hence a 
servant or attendant. The deacons were subordinate to the bishops, or elders. The 
moral qualifications were essentially the same in both cases, but the fact that aptness 
in teaching was not required in the case of deacons shows that their duties pertained 
more to the temporal interests of the church, such as distributing the alms of the 
church, and caring for the sick. The origin of the order is doubtless to be traced 
to Acts 6:1-6, notwithstanding some conspicuous differences between the earlier 
"Seven," and the later order. (3:11) Women (A. V., "their wives") : In Rom. 
16 : 1 Phcebe is called " a servant {diakonos) of the church that is at Cenchreas." This 
title applied to a woman has led to the conclusion that the New Testament churches had 
also an order of deaconesses. The insertion of instructions about " women " in the 
midst of Paul's enumeration of the qualifications of deacons, implies that the women 
referred to were deaconesses. Their duties doubtless pertained to their own sex, and 
were analogous to those of deacons. (3 : lo) House of God : The church of 
Christ on earth {comp. Heb. 3 : 6). The church of the living God : A declara- 
tion of the divine origin of the church. Pillar . . . truth : The church sustains, 
upholds the truths of the Gospel in opposition to ail heresies, as a pillar upholds a 
roof; it is the ground of the truth, that on which it rests as a sure basis. Pillar and 
ground are " metaphorical expressions of the stability and permanence of the support " 
which the church gives to the Gospel. (4: 13) Reading: The public reading of the 
Scriptures of the Old Testament, and such portions of the New as might be in 
Timothy's possession. Exhortation: Entreaty to believe the truths of the Gospel, 
and to practice its precepts. Teaching (A. V., " doctrine ") : Doctrinal instruction. 
(4:14) Presbytery: The body of elders, or bishops, in each local church. 
(6:12) The good tight: The Christian's conflict with evil in his own heart and in 
the world. Good confession (A. V., "profession") : The confession of faith in the 
Gospel at baptism, or possibly, at ordination to the ministry. (6 : 13) Quickeneth : 
Imparts life, as the Source of life. Good confession: Our Lord's confession of 
Himself as the Messiah, the Son of God (Mt. 27: n, etc.). (6: 14) The (A. V., 
"this") commandment: The Christian law embodied in the Gospel. The ap- 
pearing: The coming again of Christ. (6 : 20) Knowledge (A. V., "science") : 
Greek, gnosis, from which was derived the term gnostic, applied to the great heresy 
which just then was beginning to disturb the churches. It was an empty " knowledge " 
of thinrs that were not true, and opposed to the Gospel (see Remark 14, Lesson 42). 

xlix 



Appendix : Notes o?i Lesson 44. 

Titus. (1 : 7) Bishop : See Note on 1 Tim. 3 : i, above. (1 : 8) Hospitality : 
In the early church Christians who traveled from place to place were received and 
helped on their way by other Christians. Such " hospitality " was especially enjoined 
on the bishops, or elders. (2 : 1) Sound doctrine : Literally, " healthy," that which 
gives health to the soul, instead of weakness and disease, such as the false " knowl- 
edge" ministered. (2:8) Sound speech: That which has a healthy quality. 
(3:9) Foolish questionings (A. V., "questions"): Such as ignorant and ill- 
disciplined people would contend about. Genealogies : See Note on 1 Tim. 1 : 4, 
above. Fightings (A. V., "strivings") about the law: The Jewish law in its 
bearing on the Gentile converts. 



Lesson 44. Paul's Review of his Life. 

(Notes arranged in the order of books, and not in the order of questions.) 

Ephesians. (3:8) Unsearchable: Beyond the power of man fully to trace 
out and comprehend. (3 : 9) Dispensation (A. V., " fellowship ") of the mys- 
tery : The arrangement by which God carries out His great purpose, once hidden 
but now made known through Christ, of saving Gentiles as well as Jews through 
simple faith in Christ (see Expl. Note on Col. 2 : 2, Lesson 42). As used in ch. 3 the 
term " mystery" emphasizes the additional idea that the Gentiles as well as the Jews 
form an essential part of the body of Christ, that is, the church. (3 : 10) Princi- 
palities . . . powers . . . heavenly places : For the meaning of these terms, 
see Remark 14 (2), Lesson 42. This verse means that the plan of redemption as 
realized in the church would give the heavenly powers a new revelation of God's wis- 
dom. Note that this revelation is made through the church, that is, by the fact of its 
existence as the great spiritual body of Christ. God's glory is revealed in its existence. 
(3 : 12) Access : To God (com/. 2 : 18 ; Rom. 5:2). 

Philippians. (2 : 15) Blameless : In the judgment of others. Harmless: 
Literally, " unadulterated," implying perfect sincerity of character, or what Christians 
should be in themselves. Perverse: Distorted. (2:17) If I am (A. V., " be ") 
offered, etc. : In vs. 16 Paul had implied the possibility of his living to participate in 
the coming again of Christ. In vs. 17 he presents the opposite case of his suffering 
martyrdom prior to that event. He likens his ministry on behalf of the Philippians to 
a sacrifice laid on the altar ; should it please God that he should pour his life-blood 
over this sacrifice, as the priest pours a libation on the offering on behalf of their faith, 
it was a service in which he personally rejoiced, and on account of which he con- 
gratulated them. (3 : 5-6) Circumcised, etc. : In these verses Paul enumerates 
the great worldly privileges which he had enjoyed as a Jew. (3:7) Howbeit 
(A. V., " but") . . . loss : These things, which were a real worldly advantage, Paul 
renounces and counts worthless as compared with Christ. (3:9) A righteous- 
ness of mine own (A. V., "mine own righteousness") : Righteousness resulting 
from his own effort to keep the Jewish law; such righteousness had no saving power. 
Through faith in (A. V., " the faith of") Christ: On condition of faith in Christ. 
(3:10) That I may know him: Not intellectually merely, but as a personal 
Saviour. Power . . . resurrection : The power which proceeds from Christ in 
virtue of His resurrection, which assures the believer of his present justification, and 
which secures his future justification, his triumph over death, and his participation in 
the glory of Christ. Fellowship . . . sufferings: That I may realize that through 
my sufferings I am following in Christ's footsteps and am aiding Him in His work of 
saving men, and that so I am brought into fellowship with Him. Conformed 
(A. V., " conformable ") . . . death: Not to Christ's actual death on the cross, but to 
that Christlike spirit of sacrifice which patiently endures persecutions and even death 
in the work of saving men. (3:11) The resurrection from (A. V., "of") the 
dead : To have part in the resurrection of the righteous to a life with Christ was the 
goal of Paul's greatest desire. (3 : 12) Apprehend, etc. : Apprehend here means to 
lay hold of. Christ laid hold of Paul for a definite purpose. Paul pressed forward to 
fulfil that purpose, that is, " to lay hold of that for which Christ had laid hold of him." — 
Beet. (3 : 14) I press . . . goal (A. V., " mark ") : The figure is that of a runner 
in a foot-race, straining every nerve to reach the goal and win the prize. Calling of 

/ 



Appendix : Notes on Lesson 45. 

God : God's call to salvation in His kingdom. (4 : 11) Content : Satisfied with 
one's lot. (4 : 12) Abased : Lacking resources and comforts, being subject to every 
kind of deprivation, especially poverty. To abound : To be prosperous, to have more 
than is absolutely needful. Paul knew how to carry himself in adversity or prosperity, 
because he knew that the fountain of happiness was in himself, and not in things 
outside of himself. (4 : 13) I can do all things, etc. : This is not a general state- 
ment, but a summing up of vss. 1 1, 12. It reveals Christ as the Source of Paul's 
contentment under all circumstances. 

1 Timothy 1:12-16 (12) Enabled me : Gave me strength. Paul is thinking 
of his whole work as an Apostle. Faithful : In the sense of being trustworthy. 
(1.3) Injurious: "Arrogant.'" Ignorantly in unbelief: Comp. Rom. 10:2, 3. 
Paul was forgiven because as an unbelieving persecutor he did not perceive how 
grievously he was sinning. (15) Faithful is the (A. V., " This is a faithful") say- 
ing: This formula is peculiar to the Pastoral Epistles {comp. 3:1; 4:9; 2 Tim. 2: 
11; Titus 3: 8). It gives Paul's personal sanction to the "saying," that is, the par- 
ticular maxim, hymn, or condensed doctrinal statement, which he quotes as current in 
the church and familiar to his readers. 



Ijesson 45. Paul's Last Words. 

(Notes arranged in the order of chapters and verses, and not in the order of questions.) 

2 Timothy. (1:8) His prisoner : This verse with others makes it certain that 
Paul was in prison when this Epistle was written. (1 : 12) Suffer : The whole tone 
of this Epistle indicates that this second imprisonment was much more severe than the 
first. (1:15) All that (A. V., "all they which") are in Asia: Paul does not 
mean that all the churches in the province of Asia had apostatized, which, if true, 
would have been needless information to Timothy who was at Ephesus. He refers to 
certain members of these churches, who being in Rome, perhaps at Paul's first hear- 
ing, had been afraid to testify in his behalf. Since then they all had gone home, and 
when Paul wrote were "in Asia." (1 : 16) Onesiphorus: See B. D. The fact that 
Paul prays for " the house of Onesiphorus" has been thought to imply that this fear- 
less brother was no longer living. The reward which Paul invokes upon him at the 
coming again of Christ, he prays may in the meanwhile be bestowed upon his family. 
My chain: In this imprisonment as in the first Paul was chained to a soldier. 
(1 : 18) He ministered (A. V., " unto me ") at Kphesus : Either in the general 
work of the Gospel, or perhaps, after his return from Rome in trying to enlist the influ- 
ence of Ephesian officials in behalf of Paul. (2:3) Suffer hardship (A. V., 
"endure hardness") : The necessary trials connected with Timothy's struggle against 
false teachers. (2:9) Wherein : That is, in my sphere of work as a preacher of 
the Gospel (vs. 8). Malefactor (A. V., "evil doer"): At first the Christians in 
Rome were put to death as incendiaries (see Note 86). But this charge was soon 
abandoned lor that of " hatred of society." Because the Christians disapproved of 
many customs freely practiced in heathen communities, the belief quickly gained 
ground that they "were bent on destroying civilization, and civilization must in self- 
defence destroy them." — Ramsay. The burning of Rome gave color to this charge. 
Hence the Christians during the Neronian persecution were executed, not as believers 
in an unlawful religion, but as malefactors. (3:1) Last days: The days then 
current. The Apostles believed that Christ's coming again and the end of the world 
were near at hand. (3 : 14) Thou : In contrast with the heretics just named. The 
things: The truths of the Gospel. (3:15) Sacred writings (A. V., "holy 
scriptures") : The books of the Old Testament. (3:16) Every scripture in- 
spired (A. V., "All scripture is given by inspiration") : While this verse as ren- 
dered in the R. V. affirms only the profitableness of all inspired Scripture, it neverthe- 
less implies the inspiration of the Old Testament since that is the Scripture of which 
the Apostle is speaking (see vs. 15). (4 : 2) Be instant :" Be attentive." (4:3) 
The time will come: Comp. 3:1-3; Acts 20:29, 30; 1 Tim. 4:1-5. These 
prophecies were abundantly fulfilled in the subsequent history of the church. Itch- 
ing ears : A desire to hear new, strange teaching. Heap . . . teachers : Procure 
false teachers in abundance. (4:4) Fables: Comp. 1 Tim. 1:4; 4:7. (4:5) 

li 



Appendix ; Notes on Lesson 46. 

Be thou sober (A. V., "But watch thou") : Be prudent in thought and action. 
(4:6) Offered: Literally, " poured out as the drink-offering " (see Note on Phil. 
2:17, Lesson 44). In comparison with Paul's conviction that the end of his lite is 
near at hand, as expressed here, see his words written during the first imprisonment 
(Phil. 1 : 25, 26; Philemon, vs. 22). (4 : 7) Fight: Comp. 1 Tim. 6 : 12. The figure 
is that of a struggle like the athletic contests in the Greek games {comp. 1 Cor. 9 : 24- 
27). (4:8) The (A. V. "a") crown of righteousness : Perfect righteousness 
is the goal and crown of the Christian life. It is given not because of our merit, but 
of God's grace. Them . . . appearing : That is, " all who in love for Him wait 
longingly for His coming." (4:9) Do thy diligence to come: That is, make 
haste. In vs. 21 Paul adds " before winter," or before the season for navigation closed. 
Timothy was probably still in Ephesus (1 Tim. 1:3). During the first imprisonment 
he was with Paul (Phil. 1:1; Col. 1:1). (4 : 10) Demas forsook (A. V., " hath 
forsaken") me: Because of the perils that surrounded Paul. Apostasy from the 
faith is not necessarily implied. The rage against Christians made it dangerous to 
befriend any who were in prison. Crescens . . . Titus: They had probably 
departed to engage in missionary work. (4:11) Only Luke: "The beloved 
physician, the faithful, cultivated Luke." For ministering (A. V., "for the minis- 
try"): For both personal service to Paul, and service in the Gospel. (4:13) The 
cloke : In view of the approaching winter (vs. 21) which Paul anticipated spending 
in a cold and damp dungeon. Books: Written on papyrus. Parchments: 
Written on skins of animals. (4:16) My first defence (A. V., "answer") : Not 
a defense connected with the first imprisonment, of which all the facts must have 
been known to Timothy; but Paul's first appearance before the court during his 
second imprisonment. Took my part (A. V., "stood with me"): Literally, 
" stood forward with me," either to plead his cause as an advocate, or to comfort him 
by Christian sympathy. Forsook me: Through fear (see Note on vs. 10, above). 
(4:17) That . . . the message : (A. V., "preaching"), etc. : That the proclama- 
tion of the Gospel might be made complete before the Roman tribunal and the multi- 
tude of spectators at the trial. Mouth of the lion : Probably a general expression 
for the greatest danger. (4 : 18) Will save (A. V., " preserve ") me : Not from 
death, but through death to heavenly glory. 



Lesson 46. Peter's Consolation for those in Trial. 

Peter's Life after his Escape from Prison. Scattered References. (1 Cor. 
1 : 12) I of Cephas : The fact that one of the parties in the Corinthian church was 
named after Peter suggests either that he had visited Corinth during Paul's absence, 
or that there had come from Judea persons who exalted the authority of Peter as 
compared with that of Paul. (1 Cor. 9 : 5) Have we . . . Cephas : Peter is 
here cited as a conspicuous example of an Apostle accompanied by his wife on his 
missionary journeys. 

(1 Pet. 1 : 1) Sojourners of the Dispersion (A. V., " strangers scattered ") : 
"The Dispersion " was a name usually applied to the Jews who were scattered in Gen- 
tile countries {comp. Jo. 7 :35). It is so understood here by some, but the general tone 
of this letter suggests that it was not written chiefly for Jewish Christians (see 1 : 14-18 ; 
2: 10; 4:3) ; some have accordingly supposed that the word "Dispersion" is here 
used, in a derived sense, of Christians scattered abroad. Pontus, Galatia, etc. : 
These terms are clearly used in their wide sense for Roman provinces, and not in their 
limited sense for districts within these provinces. The order in which these provinces 
are enumerated is that which would be natural to one writing from Babylon, and not 
from Rome. This favors somewhat the view that the Epistle was written from the 
former locality (see 5 : 13). (5: 12) Silvanus : Probably to be identified with Silas, 
Paul's companion on the second missionary journey. (5:13) She (A. V., "The 
church ") : By some understood as the church in Babylon, by others as Peter's wife. 
But since " in (A. V., ' at ') Babylon " would scarcely identify Peter's wife, it is better 
to understand it of the church. Babylon : Understood by some as the Chaldean 
city on the Euphrates, and by others as a mystical designation for Rome. It is uncer- 
tain which view is correct. 

m 



Appendix : Notes on Lesson 47. 

The Christian's Living Hope. 1 Pet. 1:3-9. (3) A living (A. V., 
" lively ") hope : A hope which leads to holiness in life and character, in contrast with 
a dead hope which remains inoperative. (5) To be revealed: Disclosed, as 
something already existing. Ill the last time: The Apostle does not say when this 
will be, but his entire letter shows that 'he regarded it as near at hand. (6) Mani- 
fold temptations : Trials of faith, especially sufferings and persecutions inflicted 
by the world. (8) Whom not having seen, etc. : The writer implies a contrast 
between himself who had seen Christ, and his readers who had not seen him. 

Peter's Exhortations to Holiness. 1 Pet. 1 : 13-25. (13) Girding 
(A. \\, " gird ") up . . . mind: As the Oriental tucked up his loose flowing garments 
to be ready for action, so the mind should be alert, unincumbered, ready for whatever 
may come. The words signify a call to watchfulness (Lu. 12:35). Be sober: 
Watchfulness necessitates sobriety not only in food and drink, but in spirit — that 
holding of all our senses under such control that they shall not be intoxicated by the 
illusive vanities of this world. Hope perfectly (A. V., " to the end "), etc. : This is 
the main exhortation of the verse. To the maintenance of this perfect hope watchful- 
ness and sobriety are the indispensable conditions. (14) Children of obedi- 
ence (A. V., "obedient children") : Those in whom obedience is a distinguishing 
trait. So " children of disobedience," " children of light," " children of wrath," etc. 
Mot fashioning . . . ignorance: Those who are loyally obedient to God's will, 
now revealed, no longer conform to the low standard which prevailed in former times 
of ignorance. (15) Be ye . . . holy: Make the moral character of the Holy One 
your example in the entire conduct of life. (17) Pass the time ... in fear: 
The children of God should spend their earthly life, a period of absence from their 
heavenly home, in a holy and reverential fear, the fear begotten by love, which dares 
to do or suffer anything rather than grieve the Father's heart by disregard of His holy 
will. (18) Kedeemed, etc.: The previous exhortations to watchfulness, unwaver- 
ing hope, obedience, holiness, and godly fear are enhanced by a consideration of the 
inconceivable cost at which the atonement for human sin has been provided. (20) 
The end of the (A. V.," these last") times: See on vs. 5, above. (22) Love 
one another, etc. : Mutual love proceeding straight and pure from the heart, the 
seat of affection, should preeminently characterize all God's children who are born 
from an incorruptible seed, the Holy Spirit (Jo. 3:5), and through the word of God, 
the Gospel preached by the Apostles. 



Lesson 47. Peter's Exhortation to Patient Endurance. 

Suffering for Conscience' Sake. 1 Pet. 2:18-25. (18) Servants: 
Gr., " household servants," slaves, who were very numerous in the early church. This 
passage is addressed especially to them. (21) An example : Literally, " a writing- 
copy," including all the letters of the alphabet, such as was given to beginners. Christ's 
example of patience under trial is the " copy " that we are to follow in our trials. 
(24) Bare our sins . . . tree: Compare this with Is. 53 : 4-6, which Peter clearly 
had in mind. His thought is that the sufferings of Christ on the cross were brought 
upon Him by our sins ; that these sufferings made it possible for us to escape the pun- 
ishment due us for our sins ; and that we are therefore under the greatest obligations 
to pattern our lives by His. Stripes: Literally, " bruises," like the wales left by a 
scourge. (25) Shepherd and Bishop : Or, " overseer," perhaps here "guardian," 
"protector" (Ezek. 34 : 11-16) . 

Patience in View of Calumny. 1 Pet. 3:13— 4 : 6. (3: 14) Suffer for 
righteousness' sake: An almost literal quotation of the eighth beatitude (Mt. 
5 : 10). Peter wished to strengthen his readers for their impending sufferings. These 
were brought upon them by their moral purity and uprightness. The heathen, un- 
able to understand the motives which prompted such purity, could only explain it as 
a cloke for secret wickedness. Hence murders, robberies, and other nefarious acts 
(4:15), were slanderously charged upon them (2:12). Note that Paul during his 
second imprisonment speaks of himself also as suffering as " a malefactor" (2 Tim. 
2:9). Their fear (A. V., "terror") : This may mean either the fear which they 
cause, or that which they feel (comp. Is. 8: 12, 13). (3: 15) Sanctify . . . Lord: 
Let such a high sense of the holiness of Christ fill the heart that a reverential fear of 

liii 



Appendix : Notes on Lesson tf. 

Him Shall displace the fear of men. This godly fear will show itself in the ability at all 
times to give a courageous defense of the Christian hope. (3 : 16) Ye are spoken 
against (A. V., "they speak evil of you") : See on vs. 14, above. (3: 17) It is 
better, etc. : " Peter meets the common objection that suffering could be borne more 
easily it it were deserved ; the Christian must take the cross, if it comes, as from God, 
sent for his good {comp. 2: 19, 20)." (3: 18-22) Because (A. V., " For ") Christ, 
etc. : This passage contains in general an encouragement to those who suffer unjustly 
drawn from a contemplation of the sufferings of Christ, who, because he patiently 
endured, was rewarded by exaltation on the right hand of God and with universal 
supremacy. So much is clear. But in entering upon further details we are "brought 
face to face with one of the unsolved, if not insoluble, problems of New Testament in- 
terpretation." The difficulties culminate in the reference to the " spirits in prison," of 
which so many and such contradictory interpretations have been given by leading Bib- 
lical scholars that it is safe to say that no man living knows what the words mean. In 
view of this fact it is clear that no doctrinal inferences can safely be drawn from them. 
(4 : 1) Arm . . . yourselves : A return to the thought in 3 : 18. Christ had suf- 
fered in the flesh. " If those who had been baptized in His name were called so to 
suffer, they, looking to the glory that had followed on His sufferings, were to follow 
His example. They were, it might be, engaged in a tremendous conflict, but they 
needed no other armour than ' the mind of Christ,' the temper of patient submission 
and unwavering trust in the wisdom and love of the Father." — Plumptre. For he 
that hath suffered, etc. : The meaning of this clause, taken in connection with the 
following verse, is extremely obscure; no entirely satisfactory interpretation has been 
suggested. (4:3) Lasciviousness, etc.: The vices openly practiced by the 
heathen, but which Christians were noted for avoiding. (4:4) Speaking evil: 
See on 3: 14, above. (4:5) Give account, etc. : Christians should not be influ- 
enced in their conduct by the slanders of the heathen, but by the thought of being 
judged by Christ. (4:6) Preached . . . dead, etc. : Substantially the same diffi- 
culties appear in this statement as in 3 : 19, see above. The mention of the judgment 
forms a transition to the thought of the "end." 

Patience in View of Fiery Trials. 1 Pet. 4:7-19. (7) End of all 

things : The Apostle's language reveals the intense expectation of the early church 
that Christ's coming again was close at hand {comp. Mt. 24: 3, 34). The Messianic 
judgment (Mt. 25:31-46), then understood to be coincident with this coming, was 
regarded as the consummation of the old world-order and the introduction of the new. 
The coming of Christ in the destruction of Jerusalem was indeed " the end of all 
things " so far as the Jewish dispensation was concerned. A few years showed, how- 
ever, that his words had a larger meaning than was at first supposed. (9) Hospital- 
ity: See Note on Titus 1:8, Lesson 43. (11) If any man speaketh (A. V., 
"speak") : Public speaking is here meant. "Tne words cover the gifts of tongues, 
prophecy, teaching, knowledge, counsel, in St. Paul's fuller classification (Rom. 12 : 6- 
8; i Cor., chs. 12-14)." (12) The fiery trial : A figure drawn from the refiner's 
fire (Mai. 3 : 2, 3) and applied to any calamities or trials which test character (1:7); 
here probably to the severe persecution in progress or impending. (13) Insomuch 
(A. V., "inasmuch") as: Or, "in proportion as." At the revelation of his 
glory (A. V., " when his glory shall be revealed ") : The special manifestation of the 
blessings and grace of God to be made at Christ's coming again. (14) The Spirit 
. . . upou you: The possession of the indwelling Spirit was a privilege which far 
outweighed any suffering through persecution. (16) Christian: A follower of 
Christ. In this name: The name "Christian"; not "on this behalf," as in the 
A.V. (17) For the time, etc.: Peter thinks of the Messianic judgment as begin- 
ning in the persecution of "the house of God," that is, Christians, by unbelievers 
(see vs. 12, comp. Mt. 24 : off.), and as destined to go on in the judgment of God on un- 
believers {comp. 2 Thes. 1 : 5-7 ; Phil. 1 :28, 29). This passage suggests that the letter 
was written before the destruction of Jerusalem, since after that event ju-gment would 
already have fallen on "them that obey not the gospel of God." (19) Com- 
mit . . . souls . . . well-doing: Discharging fearlessly our appointed tasks is 
really entrusting ourselves in the hands of our heavenly Father, who certainly will care 
for His children while they are doing His work. With this assurance we may face any 
temptation, peril, or even death {comp. Lu. 23 : 46). 

liv 



Appendix : Notes on Lesson 48. 

Lesson 48. Peter's Last Words. 

Remark 1G. — The Antinomian Heresy. The evil specially combated in 
Tude and 2 Peier was a form oi practical Antinomianism, or lawlessness, which was 
the darkest feature of early church history. It may have been simply an outbreak of 
sin among unworthy members of the church. But more probably it was based either 
(1) on the idea that because Christians were, through Christ, freed from the dominion 
of the law (Rom. 7 : 4-6), they were also freed from its moral requirements, and could, 
without sin, use their " freedom (A. V., ' liberty ') for an occasion to the flesh " (Gal. 
5 : 13) ; or (2) on the Gnostic idea that the spirit having been purified through Christ, 
it made no difference what the body did. Perhaps Rev. 2 : 6, 14, 15, 21-23, and r J°- 3 : 
7-10 were written with this error in view. In opposition to this heresy Peter urged 
personal growth in Christian graces and knowledge. 

Growth in Grace and Knowledge. 2 Pet., ch. 1. (5) In your faith 

supply virtue (A. V., " add to your faith virtue ") : The thought is " Through your 
faith, which is God's gift and the starting-point of all graces, let virtue be wrought out 
in your life." Let faith be the seed which when planted bears virtue as its fruit. 
Virtue here means " the Christian's manliness and active courage in the good fight of 
faith." Knowledge: Here, that practical understanding which promptly distin- 
guishes good from evil; this must guide and regulate the Christian's manly struggle, 
lest he run into " inconsiderate obstinacy, or presumptuous daring." (6) Temper- 
ance: Steady self-control in the use of all things good and lawful. Patience: Per- 
severing endurance. Godliness: The patience inculcated is not a stoical submission 
to inevitable fate, but the humble trust in God which begets reverential acquiescence 
in His will. (7) Love of the brethren (A. V., "brotherly kindness"): Those 
who trust God as their heavenly Father should be kindly affectioned toward those who 
cherish a like trust, and this in turn should beget Christian love, the crowning grace 
of character. (8) The knowledge: Not the same Greek word as in vs. 5. Here, 
that large, ever-widening apprehension of truth which centers in Christ, and which 
makes the Christian life fruitful in good works. (9) For (A. V., " but ") he that 
lacketh, etc.: The practice of Christian graces, and not the licentiousness taught 
by the false prophets, is the road to true knowledge. (10) Calling . . . sure: 
That introduction into the kingdom of God which followed the divine call must be 
made secure by a godly life. Stumble (A. V., " fall ") : Here the word manifestly 
points, not to a temporary fall from which there may be a quick recovery, but to "a 
final forfeiture of salvation." (12) Wherefore, etc.: Since admission into the 
heavenly kingdom is dependent on such growth in grace and knowledge as Peter has 
described, he will be unwearied in reminding his readers of the fact, especially in view 
of his approaching martyrdom. (14) Swiftly (A. V., "shortly"): Peter recog- 
nized that the predicted end of his life was now near at hand (Jo. 21: 18). (16) 
Cunningly devised fables : Stories concocted by men. The power and com- 
ing: Christ's divine power revealed in His miracles, on the mount of transfiguration, 
and in His resurrection. This, with the fact of His speedy return, formed the primary 
facts in the apostolic preaching. The last, especially, was denied by the false prophets 
(ch. 3). Eyewitnesses: See Mt. 17:1-8. (19) More sure: Made so to all 
believers, including the Apostles themselves, by these manifestations of the power and 
glory of Christ. This light of prophecy is valuable, as the light of a taper or torch, 
until " the day-star," literally, the light-bringer, ushers in the full " light of the knowl- 
edge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." 

Looking tor Christ's Coming. 2 Pet., ch. 3. (2) Prophets: Those of 
the New Testament {covip. Eph. 4: 11) as we'll as those of the Old. The " words " 
spoken by them of which Peter reminded his readers were those touching the coming 
again of Christ, and the "commandment" was that law of Christian living which 
befitted those who looked for His return. (3) Last days: The period just prior to 
Christ's return in which the early Christians believed that they were then living. (4) 
Where is . . . coming: The question implies a scornful unbelief, based on the 
delay in the fulfilment of the promise. The fathers: The earlier generation of 
Christian believers, who had looked for the return of Christ, but had died without 
seeing it. (5) Wilfully forget (A. V., "willingly are ignorant of"), etc.: These 

to 



Appendix : Notes on Lesson 49. 

scoffers who argue against the coming again of Christ from the constancy of nature 
choose to forget that as this constancy was disturbed by the deluge so it may be again 
by another catastrophe. This was Peter's first argument against the mockers. (8) 
One day, etc. : The fact that God does not reckon time by human standards is 
Peter's second" argument. (9) The Lord . . . longs uffering: "His seeming 
delay is not delay, but mercy and forbearance." — Farrar. This is the third argu- 
ment. (10) The elements : The materials of which the universe is composed. 
The prophetic imagery here employed is probably not intended to be taken literally, 
any more than the similar imagery which Peter declared applicable to the day of 
Pentecost (Acts 2:16-20). (12) Earnestly desiring (A. V., "hasting unto"): 
This suggests that the time of Christ's Advent may be accelerated by the attitude of 
His followers. (13) IN ew heavens, etc. : Comp. Is. 65 : 17; Rev. 21 : 1. A purified 
universe would issue from the refining fire of the Messianic judgment. (14) Peace : 
The Lord would have no controversy with those who at His coming would be found 
" without spot and blameless." (15) Longsuffering : See on vs. 9, above. (16) 
The other scriptures: An implication that some at least of Paul's writings were 
deemed inspired like the Old Testament Scriptures when this Epistle was written. 



Lesson 49. John's Vision of Heaven. 

The Vision of the Heavenly Throne. Rev., ch. 4. (1) After these 

things (A. V., "After this") : After the messages to the seven churches (chs. 2, 3). 
(2) In the Spirit : At once on being summoned by the voice John was caught up 
through the " opened " door. This vision continued the ecstatic state described in 
1:10. One sitting (A. V., " sat"): " God, the Almighty " (vs. 8). (3) Jasper: 
The identification of the precious stones mentioned in the Bible is quite uncertain. 
Modern jasper is opaque; that -described in Revelation was " clear as crystal" (21 : 11), 
and may have been either the diamond, or the translucent green chalcedony. Sardius 
(A. V., "sardine") : The red, fiery carnelian. A rainbow . . . emerald : A 
dazzling green halo arched, like a rainbow, over the throne ; a symbol of God's faith- 
fulness (Gen. 9:12, 13). (4) Thrones: Not "seats," as in the A. V.; the same 
word as in vs. 2. Elders : Many interpretations have been suggested. That which 
seems as probable as any takes the four and twenty " elders " as rcprese7iting the saints 
of the Old and New Testaments. They offer " the prayers of the saints " (Rev. 5:8). 
The twelve Patriarchs would stand for the Old Testament church, and the twelve 
Apostles for that of the New {comp. Mt. 19:28). White garments (A. V.," rai- 
ment"): Priestly attire, the symbol of purity. Crowns : Symbols of royalty. Com- 
pare " a royal priesthood " (1 Pet. 2:9). (5) Lightnings, etc. : Symbols of author- 
ity and judgment {comp. Ex. 19: 16). Seven lamps: Or torches, symbolizing the 
Holy Spirit, in His sevenfold, or perfectly illuminating, A\ork (see on 5:6, below). 
(6) Four living creatures : The A. V., " beasts," is the worst possible translation. 
" Living beings " would be better even than the R. V. The most varied interpretations 
have been given. That which on the whole seems most plausible takes them to 
represent the animated creation, the different faces representing created life in its 
highest manifestations. We may " believe that the living beings are symbolical of all 
creation fulfilling its proper office — waiting upon God, fulfilling his will, and setting 
forth his glory." The forms of these living beings appear to be compounded from 
Isaiah's seraphim (Is. 6 : 2, 3), and Ezekiel's cherubim (Ezek. 1 : 5-14). (8) Holy, 
etc.: John's vision of the divine glory reproduces many particulars of those described 
in Is. 6 : 1-4 and in Ezek., ch. 1. (9-11) And when the living creatures (A. V., 
"those beasts "), etc. : These, who represent all created life, together with the four and 
twenty elders, who represent the redeemed church, unite in praising God as the glori- 
ous Creator of the universe. The praise of God as Redeemer comes in the next 
chapter. 

The Lamb and the Seven-sealed Book. Rev., ch. 5. (1) A hook : 

Rather, a roll, the form of all ancient books. Seven seals : Seven was the number 
denoting perfection, completeness; hence, completely sealed. Many interpretations 
have been given, such as the Old Testament prophecies, John's book of Revelation 

Ivi 



Appendix : Notes on Lesson jo. 

itself, the book of God's counsels, etc. It is said that though the seals are broken we 
do not hear of the opening of the book. " To this we may answer, we are told, 20 : 12, 
of the opening of a very important Book, the Book of Life; and that Book belongs to 
the Lamb that was slain, 13 : 8 ; 21 : 27. Is not then this book the same as that? so 
that the opening of it will be ' the manifestation of the sons of God' (Rom. 8: 19)." 
— Simcox. (,">) Lion . . . Judah: Camp. Gen. 49 : 9 with Heb. 7 : 14. Root of 
David : Is. 11 : 1, 10. ((>) A Lamb . . . slain : John looked for a Lion and saw a 
Lamb. The thought is not so much of the Lamb's gentleness, as of its fitness for 
sacrifice (see vs. 9, and 1:18). "The risen Christ bore, and doubtless bears, the 
wounds of His Passion unaltered — unhealed, though apparently not bleeding, Jo. 20: 
25,27." — Simcox. Seven horns, and seven eyes: Symbols of perfect strength 
and knowledge, omnipotence and omniscience. Seven Spirits : The seven eyes 
which, as well as the seven lamps (4 : 5), are declared to be the seven Spirits of God, 
are doubtless identical with the seven Spirits (1:4) who are coordinate with God and 
with Christ. They represent therefore the Holy Spirit in His various agencies. (8) 
Each (A. V., "every") one: Of the " elders " only, (9,10) Sing: Not "sung," as 
in the A. V. The worship is continuous. New song : Because it could not be heard 
in heaven until Christ had completed His sacrifice for sin. Worthy, etc.: The 
Lamb's ability to open the book (of life?, see on vs. 5, above) rested on (a) His sac- 
rificial death, (b) His purchase of the church with His own blood, and (c) His exalta- 
tion of the redeemed into a royal priesthood. (11, 12) Many angels, etc. : The 
ascription of praise to Christ by the representatives of the church is now taken up by 
the angelic host, and is re-echoed by every living creature (vs. 13), and by the four 
living creatures, their representatives (vs. 14). 

The Multitude of the Redeemed. Rev. 7:9-17. (9) A great multi- 
tude : By some understood to be identical with the previously mentioned 144,000 (vs. 
4), Israel being there understood in its spiritual sense for the entire church (see 14: 1) ; 
by others, who understand Israel in its literal sense, this multitude represents the 
redeemed out of the Gentile world. Yet not all of them, even, but a specially honored 
group who have won the crown of martyrdom (see on vs. 14, below). White : Sign 
of purity. Palms: Emblems of victory. (11) Angels: The same as in 5:11. 
(12) Blessing, etc.: Compare with 5:12. (14) The great tribulation: Not 
" great tribulation " in general, as in the A. V. ; the use of the definite article points to a 
particular period of persecution, probably then begun or impending. The same truth, 
however, applies in all similar cases (see on vs. 9, above). (15-17) Therefore, 
etc. : The blessedness of these victors is described in seven particulars : (a) They are 
before the throne; {b) they serve God day and night in the temple; (c) they are 
sheltered by the tabernacle of God (Is. 4 : 5, 6) ; (d) they shall hunger and thirst no 
more, (e) be no more affected by sun or by heat (Is. 49:10); (/) the Lamb shall 
shepherd and guide them (Ps. 23) ; and (g) God shall wipe away all their tears (Is. 
25:8). 



Lesson 50. John's Vision of the Holy City. 

The New Universe. Rev. 21:1-8. (1) A new heaven and a new 
earth: See 15.65:17; 66:22; 2 Pet. 3:13. "New," not in the sense that the old 
had been annihilated and that the new had been brought into existence by another 
creative act of the Almighty ; but in the sense of fresh, and superior to that which 
precedes. "A world 'wherein dwelleth righteousness' would be a new world, even 
without any physical change at all " (comp. 2 Cor. 5 : 17). Sea : To the ancients the 
sea was a hindrance to free intercourse, an object of terror, unstable and treacherous. 
The absence of the sea is doubtless to be understood figuratively as denoting 
unrestricted intercourse between all nations, perfect security and stability. Heaven, 
earth and sea comprised to the ancients the entire universe. (2) New Jerusalem: 
The metropolis of the renewed earth, of which the old earthly Jerusalem was an 
imperfect type. Coming down : This holy city, now reserved in heaven (Gal. 
4: 26), is to be realized in its divine perfection on the renewed earth. As a bride: 
Glorious and undefiled (Eph. 5:25-27), in contrast with the mystical Babylon, the 

Ivii 



Appendix : Notes on Lesson JO, 

symbol of impurity (Rev. 17:1-6). (3) A great voice: Of God, probably. It 
came "out of the throne," R. V., not "out of heaven," A. V. (see 20:11). 
Tabernacle of God : An allusion to the Mosaic tabernacle which, with its pillar of 
cloud and fire, assured the Israelites of God's presence among them. Dwell: 
Literally, "tabernacle." Compare Jo. 1: 14 which reads literally, "The Word be- 
came flesh and tabernacled among us." " From all eternity the Word had been 
with God (Jo. 1:1); now He is to be to all eternity with men ; and men shall be a new 
Israel for the New Jerusalem." His peoples: Not as in the A. V., " his people," 
that is, Israel alone, but all nations. (4) Tear (A. V., " tears ") . . . death . . . 
crying, etc. : The heartrending characteristics of the old earth will be no more (comp. 
Is. 25:8; 35:10; Rev. 20:14). (6) Alpha . . . Omega: The first and last letters 
of the Greek alphabet, symbols of unchangeableness. (7) These (A V., "all") 
things : The new heaven, the new earth together with the promises just made. 
(8) The fearful : Better, " the cowards," who, in the conflict with evil, have been 
afraid to side with God. Lake . . . brimstone : See 20 : 10. Figurative language, 
like the description of the holy city. But, as in the latter case there is a blessed truth 
behind the imagery, so in the former there is an awful reality. Second death: See 
20 : 14, 15. " As there is a second and higher life, so there is also a second and deeper 
death." 

Description of the New Jerusalem. Rev. 21 : 9 — 22 : 5. (21 : 9, 10) 
One of the seven angels: See chs. 15, 16. Come hither: Note the identity of 
the opening of this verse with 17 : 1, and the contrast that follows. Bride . . . 
Jerusalem : See on vs. 2, above. (21 : 11) Glory of God : The Shekinah, the 
visible proof of God's presence (see on vs. 23, below). Her light: Better, her 
luminary. Jasper: See Note on 4:3, Lesson 49. (21:12) High: Stated in vs. 
17 to be 144 cubits, about 228 feet. Twelve gates : Comp. Ezek. 48 : 31-34. Note 
that the number twelve, or three times four, is the symbol of divine and earthly com- 
pleteness, three representing the Trinity, and four the earth, as the four winds, four 
elements, etc. Angels: Sentinels who, however, are not " practically needed in this 
City of Peace." (21 : 14) Twelve foundations : One for each section of the wall 
between the gates! (21 :16) Twelve thousand furlongs: About 1,378 English 
miles. Whether this was the length of each side or the entire circumference of 
the city is not clear. In the latter case the length of each side would be 344K 
miles. The figures express vastness. Length . . . breadth . . . height . . . 
equal : This statement apparently makes the form of the city a perfect cube, sug- 
gested perhaps by the cubical form of the Holy of Holies in the tabernacle. These 
measurements are symbolical of perfection and completeness. (21 : 18) Pure 
gold : The costliest and most beautiful things of earth are used to symbolize the 
inconceivable beauties and glory of the holy city. (21:21) Street: The central 
square or broad open place. (21 : 22) No temple therein : Because local 
worship gives place to that which is universal and spiritual. (21 : 23) No need of 
the sun : That the sun and moon have no place in the new heaven is not stated, but 
only that the city is not dependent on them for its illumination, because it is filled with 
the glory of God. (21: 24) The nations . . . and the kings of the earth: 
" Notice that the new Jerusalem is not the only inhabited part of the new earth, but 
only its centre and capital. ... It follows from 20 : 15, that all the dwellers in the new 
earth are those who were written in the Lamb's Book of Life ; but it does not appear 
who among them have the further privilege of citizenship in the Holy City." — Simcox. 
(21 : 25) Gates, etc. : They were forever open. Other city gates were always shut 
by night, and by day in times of war. Here there is eternal peace, and no darkness 
to cover the works of evil-doers. (22 : 1) River of water of life : Comp. Ezek. 
47 : 1-12 ; Gen. 2 : 10 ; Ps. 46 : 4 ; Zech. 14 : 8. See also Jo. 4 : 10-14. C 22 : 2) In the 
midst of the street of it: This clause in the A. V. belongs with vs. 1 as in^the 
R. V. It describes the location of the river, not of the tree of life. Tree of life : 
Comp. Gen. 2:9; 3:22-24. Twelve . . . fruits: "The general idea is rather of 
continuous nourishment than of variety of blessings." Leaves, etc. : The " nations " 
here are of course those who dwell in the new earth. (22 : 5) They shall reign : 
Our last glimpse of the endless felicity of the redeemed. May we all have a share in 
this glory. 

Iviii 



Appendix : Notes o?i Lesson 51. 

Lesson 51. John's Ij.i^t Words. 

Remark 17. — The Cerinthian Heresy. One of the earliest heretical Chris- 
tian sects was that founded by Cerinthus, who taught in the latter part of the first 
century and the beginning of the second. He held essentially the same ideas concern- 
ing the creation of the world as the Colossian errorists (see Remark 14, Lesson 42) ; 
but in addition to this he made a distinction between the man Jesus and the spiritual 
Christ. The former he regards as the son of Joseph and Mary ; the latter as a divine 
emanation (see Remark 14 (2)) of high rank, who could not suffer pain or death. 
Accordingly, at the baptism of Jesus, the Christ, in the form of a dove, descended 
from the Father into Jesus, and preached and worked miracles. In the close of this 
ministry, the Christ flew away from Jesus, in whose sufferings and death He did not 
share. The Jesus who died on the cross, being only a man, was not raised from the 
dead, but will rise in the general resurrection. Cerinthus is reported to have taught in 
Ephesus, and therefore probably came into direct contact with the Apostle John. 

The Reality of the Incarnation. 1 Jo. 1:1-4; 5:6-12. (1:1) That 
which was from the beginning: The Word ; Christ in His eternal and heavenly 
glory before He became flesh {comp. Jo. 1 : 1). W 7 hich we have heard, etc. : The 
writer speaks of himself as having lived in closest contact with Jesus Christ, the incar- 
nate Son of God, and as therefore competent to give trustworthy testimony concerning 
His person and teachings. Hearing, seeing, feeling — the most important senses — 
are invoked to prove the worth of his testimony. In this he was not a solitary witness. 
" We," the entire apostolic company, had borne testimony to the same effect. In thus 
emphatically affirming the reality of the incarnation of the Son of God in Jesus of 
Nazareth John opposed the heresy of Cerinthus and all other" antichrists." Word of 
life: The eternal Word who has the fulness of life in Himself, and from whom all 
created beings have derived their life. (1:2) The life was manifested, etc. : A 
parenthetical explanation of the term "life" at the close of the first verse. (1:3) 
Deelare we unto you : Thus making his testimony personal to his readers. Fel- 
lowship with us: That is, with the Apostles in their experience and enjoyment of 
that divine life which was manifested in the person of Christ. (1:4) Our (A. V., 
"your") joy: The blessedness which all true believers share among themselves and 
with Christ ( Jo. 17 : 13). (5 : 6) Water and blood, etc. : Another reference prob- 
ably to the heresy of Cerinthus (see Remark 17, above, and 2 Jo., vs. 7), who said that 
the Son of God came with the " zoater only," that is, at the baptism of Jesus, and not 
with the " blood," that is, in His sufferings and death on the cross. In opposition to 
this notion John affirms that Jesus was the true Son of God in His sufferings as well 
as in His baptism. (5:7) It is the Spirit . . . truth : These words in the A. V. 
are appended to vs. 6, but in the R. V. are made a separate verse. The seventh verse 
in the A. V., in respect to the three witnesses, is omitted in the R. V., since it is unques- 
tionably a late interpolation into the New Testament text. Its support of the doctrine 
of the Trinity is not needed, since that doctrine rests securely on other grounds. The 
reality of the incarnation, denied by Cerinthus. is testified to be the Holy Spirit. His 
witness combined with that of the Father at the Baptism of Christ. (5:8) Three 
who (A. V., " that ") bear witness : The Spirit is the living and abiding witness to 
the Messiahship of Jesus, and without His witness that of the baptism and the passion 
would largely lose their value. These three, however, certify to one thing, that Jesus 
was the Son of God. (5:9) Witness of men : That of eye-witnesses such as the 
Apostles were (1 : 1-3). Witness of God: That borne in many ways, as at the 
Jordan, on the mount of transfiguration, in Christ's words and works, and by the Holy 
Spirit. Greater: So much the more reason, then, why it should be received. 
(5 : 10-12) He that believeth, etc. : John gives here a further ground for assur- 
ance. The believer is not dependent on external testimony to the real divinity of Jesus, 
since he has the evidence of this in himself in the eternal life which Jesus has im- 
parted. 

Johns Warning against Antichrists. 1 Jo. 2:18-28. (18) Little 
children: Implies the tender and familiar affection of a father in Christ. Last 
hour (A. V. f "time") : " The concluding epoch of the present world," marked by the 
speedy coming again of Christ. As ye heard (A. V., " have heard ") : The doctrine 
of the antichrist seems to have been communicated orally and not committed to 

lix 



Appendix : Notes on Lesson jl. 

writing. Paul also in the passage concerning " the man of sin " commonly identified 
with the antichrist, contents himself with reminding his readers of what he had told them 
(2 Thes. 2:5). Antichrist: The word may mean either one who stands agai-nst 
Christ, an adversary of Christ ; or one who stands instead of Christ, a false christ. 
Of the latter very many appeared before the destruction of Jerusalem, and were dis- 
tinctly predicted by our Lord (Mt. 24 : 4, 5). But the antichrists of whom John spoke, 
as appears from the next verse, " went out " from the Christian community which was 
not true of the false christs. It is better therefore to regard them as heretics who had 
arisen within the church, whose teachings were derogatory to Christ, and who, failing 
to bring the church over to their views, had gone out from it. Of such adversaries 
Ephesus was a prolific source. (19) Were not of us : Had no sympathy with us 
in our views of Christian truth, and our reverence for Jesus as the true Son of God. 
(20) Anointing (A. V., " unction ") : The Spirit was the divine Teacher (Jo. 16 : 
13), of whose guidance believers could not be deprived by false teachers. (21) I 
have not written, etc. : Not to instruct but to warn was John's purpose in writing. 
(22) Denieth that Jesus is the Christ: Probably referring to the heresy of 
Cerinthus (see Remark 17) . Denieth the Father : " It was only as the incarnate Son 
(4 : 2) that Jesus is the Christ. And in the denial of the Son is involved necessarily a 
denial of the Father, since the Father cannot be known without the Son." — Alford. 
(24) Let . . . abide : That is, the truth concerning the Father and the Son. This 
will be the condition of their abiding in the Father and in the Son. (25) This is 
the promise : The result of such abiding will be the fulfilment of Christ's promise 
of eternal life. 



CX 



Appendix. 
BIBLE DICTIONARY OF THE LESSONS. 



Abbreviations. — A. V. The Authorized Version of the Bible. R. V. 
?o»if>. or cf. Compare, ff. The following verses, iv. s. Which see. 



The Revised Version. 



A 'bra-ham. — The Chaldean whom God 
called to emigrate to Canaan and become the 
founder of the Hebrew nation. He is often 
extolled as an example of faith, and as such is 
the spiritual ancestor of all true believers in 
Christ (Gal. 3: 7, 29.) 

A-cel'da-ma. — See " Akeldama." 

A-cha'ia. — Originally the name of a 
strip of territory bordering the Corinthian 
Gulf, along the northern coast of the Pelopon- 
nesus. In the time of Paul it was the name of 
the Roman senatorial province which included 
all of Greece south of Thessaly. Achaia was 
Greece proper (Acts 20: 2) as opposed to 
Macedonia, which, however, was included in 
the larger conception of Greece. Hence 
Achaia and Macedonia are frequently men- 
tioned together (Acts 19:21; Rom. 15:26; 1 
Thes. 1:7.8;. 

Ad-ra-myt'ti-nm. — A seaport in north- 
western Asia Minor, east by south from 
Troas. By taking a ship of Adramyttium sail- 
ing from Caesarea, the centurion having Paul 
and the other prisoners in charge hoped to 
reach a point where he could find a vessel 
sailing to Italy. He found one at Myra. 

A'dri-a. — In Paul's day the meaning of 
this name had been extended so as to include 
that large division of the Mediterranean Sea 
which lies between Sicily, Italy, Greece, Crete, 
and Africa. 

A-grip'pa (Herod Agrippa II).— 
The king mentioned in Acts 25: 13, a son of 
Herod Agrippa I (see "Herod (2)") and 
grandson of Herod the Great. Being only 
17 years of age at the death of his father, he 
was too young to succeed him, but some six 
years later the kingdom of Chalcis was given 
to him, which was afterwards enlarged by the 
addition of Iturea and Trachonitis, with the 
title of king. He was noted for his lavish 
expenditures in building. He was the last 
ruler of the house of Herod. 

A-kel'da-ma (A. V., " Aceldama, " 
field of blood. ) — A field near Jerusalem which 
ancient tradition places near the pool of Siloam , 
and which was so called from the violent death 
of Judas associated with it. 

Al-ex-an'der. — A smith, that is, a worker 
in copper or iron, who opposed Paul, and against 
whom Paul warned Timothy (2 Tim. 4: 14, 
15)- 

Al-ex-an'dri-a. — A city of Egypt 
founded in 332 B.C. by Alexander the Great, 
at the western mouth of the Nile, in northern 
Egypt. The city was famous for its commerce, 
but especially for its speculative philosophy. 
The great numbers of Jews who dwelt there, 
coming in contact with this Greek learning, 
developed a distinct type of religious faith. 
The Septuagint Greek translation of the 
Old Testament was made by them about 
280 B.C. 



Al-ex-an'dri-ana. — Strictly speaking, 
inhabitants of the city of Alexandria of any 
race or faith. But in Acts 6 : 9 the term denotes 
Jews of Alexandrian birth and training, who 
were living either temporarily or permanently 
in Jerusalem, and who had a synagogue there. 

Ain-phip'o-lis. — A city of Macedonia 
on the seacoast, about 30 miles southwest of 
Philippi. 

An 'drew. — A native of Bethsaida of Gal- 
ilee, brother of Simon Peter, and one of the 
twelve apostles. He labored according to one 
tradition in Scythia, according to another in 
Achaia. But there is no variation in the tradi- 
tion which places the scene of his martyrdom 
at Patrae in Achaia. 

An'nas. — The high priest of the Jews 
from a.d. 6 to 15. He continued to have a 
great influence even after he was deposed Irom 
office, and was referred to as high priest (Lu. 
3:2; Acts 4: 6) long after he had ceased to be 
such. 

An 'ti-och . — ( 1 ) The Capital 0/ Syria , 
near the mouth of the Orontes River, founded 
by Seleucus Nicator in 300 B.C., and named 
after his father, Antiochus, an officer in the 
army of Philip of Macedon. In the time of 
Paul it had a population of nearly half a mil- 
lion, composed of people of all nationalities 
and every religion. " It is probable that no 
population has ever been more abandoned than 
those of the Oriental Greek cities under the 
Roman empire, and of these cities Antioch 
was the greatest and the worst." 

(2) Antioch of Pisidia. — A city in the 
S. W. part of the province of Galatia, of the 
southern half of which it formed the governing 
and military center. At the time of Paul's 
first visit it was at the height of its importance. 
It was called Pisidian Antioch, or Antioch of 
Pisidia (a name derived from the neighboring 
district of Pisidia), to distinguish it from 
Antioch in Syria. 

An-tip'a-tris. — A town located between 
30 and 40 miles from Jerusalem on the great 
Roman military road from that place to 
Caesarea. Its exact location is not fully 
determined. 

Ap-ol-lo'ni-a. — A city of Macedonia, 
about 28 miles S. W. of Amphipolis, through 
which Paul passed on his first journey from 
Philippi to Thessalonica. Its exact site is not 
known. 

A-pol'los. — An Alexandrian Jew who 
became converted to Christianity. Although 
eloquent, and learned in Greek culture, he had 
an incomplete view of Christianity until he 
came to Ephesus and was taught by Aquila 
and Priscilla (Acts 18: 24-28). He then be- 
came a preacher of the gospel in Corinth and 
throughout Achaia, and later a companion of 
Paul at Ephesus (1 Cor. 16: 12). He is men- 
tioned for the last time as a companion of Titus 

Ixi 



Appendix : Bible Dictionary. 



In Crete (Tit. 3:13). Many have thought 
that he was the author of the epistle to the 
Hebrews. 

Ap'phi-a. — Mentioned in the epistle to 
Philemon. As this was a private letter, many 
have supposed that she was the wife of Phile- 
mon, and possibly the mother of Archippus. 
The name was of Phrygian origin. See 
" Philemon." 

Ap'pi-i fo'rum. — See "Market of 
Appius." 

Aq/ui-la. — A Jew of Pontus who, with 
Priscilla his wife, was banished from Rome 
under an edict of Claudius, and went to Corinth 
where he took up his trade of tentmaking. 
There he met and assisted Paul. Whether 
converted to Christianity in Corinth or be- 
fore his arrival there is unknown. Later he 
went to Ephesus (Acts 18:19), still later he 
appears to have been in Rome (Rom. 16: 3), 
and finally again in Ephesus (2 Tim. 4:19). 
Paul says of him and his wife that they once 
" laid down their own necks " for his life 
(Rom. 16: 4). 

Ar-chip 'pus. — Mentioned in Col. 4: 17 
and in Philemon, vs. 2. Some suppose him to 
have been the son of Philemon; others regard 
him as the pastor of the church at Colosse. 

A-re-op'a-gus, or Mars' Hill {the hill 
of Ares or Mars). — A rocky eminence in 
Athens, just north of the Agora or market- 
place, and west of the Acropolis, from which 
it was separated by an elevated valley. It rose 
abruptly about 60 feet to the summit, on which 
were seats hewn out of the solid rock. This 
was the meeting-place of the highest court of 
the Greeks, called the " Council of the Areopa- 
gus." Paul was not taken there for trial, but 
that he might be more easily heard by those 
who had become curious to know his new 
teaching. 

Ar'e-tas. — A name common to many of 
the Nabathean kings, whose capital was at 
Petra. The particular king, who from 2 
Cor. n: 32 appears to have been in posses- 
sion of Damascus about a.d. 37, was the father- 
in-law of Herod Antipas. He reigned from 
7 b,c. to a.d. 41. 

Ar-is-tar'chus. — A Christian from Thes- 
salonica who was with Paul on his third mis- 
sionary journey (Acts 19:29; 20: 4), and also 
at Rome. He seems to have voluntarily shared 
Paul's exile and captivity in Rome (Col. 4: 10, 
cf. Philemon, vs. 24). 

Ar'te-mag. — A companion of Paul (Tit. 
3:12), and said to have become bishop of 
Lystra. 

A'si-a. — A term which is used in the New 
Testament, neither for the continent of Asia, 
norfor Asia Minor, but 

(1) In Popular Use, for the iEgean coast 
lands north and south of Ephesus. " In Acts 
2:9 Asia is pointedly used in the popular 
sense, excluding Phrygia."— Ramsay, Church 
in Roman Empire, p. 150. 

(2) In Roman Use, for the Roman province 
which included the Asia just mentioned as well 
as Mysia, Lydia, Caria, and a part of Phrygia. 
Its chief cities were Ephesus, Smyrna, and 
Pergamum, 



As'sos. — A Greek seaport in the Roma» 
province of Asia, situated about 20 miles S. E. 
from Troas. 

A-the'ni-ans.— Inhabitants of Athens. 
Although surrounded in the days of Paul, and 
for centuries before, with the works of art and 
the opportunities for education, they had ob- 
tained a wide reputation as a nation of idlers, 
always inquisitive and of inveterate loquacity. 
Demosthenes told them that " instead of fling- 
ing themselves into timely and vigorous action 
in defence of their endangered liberties, they 
were forever gadding about asking for the 
very latest news" {comp. Acts 17: 21). 

AthVens. — The most renowned city of 
Greece, and the center of Grecian learning 
and civilization during the golden period of 
the nation's history. In Paul's day the city 
was still a beautiful monument to its past 
history, being filled with the temples, altars, 
and sacred buildings which represented the 
highest perfection of Greek art. Schools of 
philosophy still flourished and attracted large 
numbers, although their teaching was little 
more than a repetition of phrases which had 
lost their meaning. It was a " free city," that 
is, governed by its own magistrates and exempt 
from occupation by a Roman garrison. 

At-ta-li'a. — A coast town of Pamphylia, 
still in existence. 

A-zo'tus. — The Greek name for the 
ancient Philistine city of Ashdod, on the sea- 
coast of southern Palestine. 

Bab'y-lon. — The renowned city of Chal- 
dea, situated on both sides of the Euphrates 
River, about 400 miles from its mouth. The 
ancient city was destroyed soon after its cap- 
ture by the Persian king Cyrus in 538 B.C., but 
near the ruins sprang up another Babylon in 
which a large number of Jews settled. Here, 
if the word " Babylon "in 1 Pet. 5: 13 is taken 
literally and not as a pseudonym for Rome, 
Peter wrote his first epistle. In the book of 
Revelation Babylon is used as a symbolical 
name for Rome. 

Bar-ba'ri-an. — " One who speaks a for- 
eign or strange language which is not under- 
stood by another. . . . The Greeks used ' bar- 
barian ' of any foreigner ignorant of the Greek 
language and culture. . . . Hence the word is 
applied in the New Testament, but not re- 
proachfully, in Acts 28: 2, 4, to the inhabitants 
of Malta, who were of Phoenician or Punic 
origin. . . . The phrase ' both Greeks and 
Barbarians' forms also a paraphrasis for all 
peoples." — Thayer's Lexicon. 

Bar'na-bas. — A Levite of Cyprus who 
is mentioned among the disciples of Christ in 
Jerusalem soon after the day of Pentecost. 
He became well known and loved as a Christian 
teacher, and was selected to accompany Paul 
on his first missionary journey. He and Paul 
were recognized by the other apostles as espe- 
cially appointed to preach to the Gentiles 
(Gal. 2:1, 9), although he seems to have 
wavered somewhat in regard to the extent to 
which the Jewish law was to be regarded as 
binding on Christians (Gal. 2: 13). Owing to 
a disagreement in regard to Mark, Paul and 
Barnabas separated after their first journey, 



Ixii 



Appendix ; Bible Dictionary, 



each continuing his preaching apart from the 
other (Acts 15: 36-41). 

Bar-thol'o-mew. — One of the twelve 
apostles, of whose labors nothing is known 
beyond a slender tradition that he preached 
at first in Armenia, and then in India, 
where he suffered martyrdom by being flayed 
alive. 

l>»»r-ni'ce. — The eldest daughter of Herod 
Agrippa I. Her younger sisters were Mari- 
amme, and Drusilla (Acts 24: 24). She was a 
beautiful but most dissolute woman. After the 
fall of Jerusalem she went to Rome with her 
brother Herod Agrippa II, with whom she 
had lived many years (Acts 25: 13, 23). 

Be-TOB'a. — A city of southern Macedonia, 
S. W. of Thessalomca, near the Thermaic 
Gulf. It was visited by Paul on his first tour 
in Greece (Acts 17: 10). It has now a popula- 
tion of about 6,000, and is called Verria or 
Kara J'erria. 

Bi-thyn'i-a. — A Roman province in 
northern Asia Minor. Including Pontus it 
stretched along the shore of the Black Sea 
from the Propontis, or Sea of Marmora, east- 
ward a distance of about 400 miles, but varied 
in width from 80 to only 15 miles. 

Cae'sar. — The official title given to 
Roman emperors after the death of Julius 
Caesar. The Roman emperors mentioned by 
name in the New Testament are Augustus, 
who reigned from 27 B.C. to a.d. 17 (Lu. 2: 1) ; 
Tiberius, from a.d. 17 to 37 (Lu. 3:1); and 
Claudius, from a.d. 41 to 54 (Acts 18:2). 
Claudius is also referred to as "Caesar" in 
Acts 17: 7; and Nero is so spoken of in Acts 
25: 21 ; 26: 32. 

Caes-a-re'a. — A city on the seacoast west 
of Samaria, about 55 miles from Jerusalem, and 
about half-way between Joppa and Tyre. It was 
built by Herod the Great, and named in honor 
of Augustus Caesar. The Herodian kings and 
the Roman procurators lived here, and its 
population was chiefly Greek. Magnificent 
public buildings adorned the city, and the 
harbor, made by a vast breakwater, was one 
of the best on the coast. 

Ca'ia-phas.— The high priest of the Jews 
from a.d. 18 to 36, and son-in-law of Annas, 
through whose influence he obtained his 
position. 

Can 'da-ce. — A dynastic name (like " Pha- 
raoh " in Egypt), borne in the first century by 
the queens of a region of Ethiopia whose capi- 
tal was Napata. 

Cap-pa-do'ci-a. — A Roman province in 
eastern Asia Minor, between Galatian Pontus 
on the north and Cilicia on the south. It is 
a high tableland, cut by mountain ranges. 

Car'pug. — A man, apparently a member 
of the church in Troas, with whom Paul had 
left some of his personal effects (2 Tim. 4: 13). 
Tradition makes him later a bishop of Berytus 
in Thrace. 

Cau'da (A. V., "Clauda").— A small 
island, five miles long by three in breadth, situ- 
ated about 28 miles west by south from Fair 
Havens, on the coast of Crete. Its chief 
interest to the student of the New Testament 
lies in the fact that it is the means of determin- 



ing several important points connected with the 
shipwreck of Paul. 

Cen'chre-ae. — A port of Corinth, eight or 
nine miles from the city on the eastern side of 
the isthmus. 

Ce'phas. — See " Peter." 

Chal-de'ans. — The name of one of the 
most ancient tribes inhabiting the plains along 
the Euphrates River between Babylon and the 
Persian Gulf. At the time of the Jewish cap- 
tivity the name was given to all the inhabitants 
of Babylonia. In the book of Daniel it is 
used of the astrologers alone. 

Char'ran. — See " Haran." 

Chi'os. — An island in the jEgean Sea, 
near which Paul's ship anchored over night on 
his return to Jerusalem from his third mission- 
ary journey (Acts 20: 15). 

Chlo'e. — A woman who lived either at 
Corinth or at Ephesus. Some persons, per- 
haps slaves, belonging to her household, 
informed Paul of the divisions in the Corinthian 
church (1 Cor. 1: 11). 

Ci-li'ci-a. — A Roman province in south- 
eastern Asia Minor, on the Mediterranean 
coast. It lay south of Cappadocia, and west 
of Syria. Tarsus was its chief city. 

Clau'da. — See " Cauda." 

Clau'di-a. — A Christian sister in Rome 
(2 Tim. 4:21). See " Pudens." 

ClaviVdi-us. — The fourth Roman emperor, 
reigning from a.d. 41 to 54. He was a close 
friend of Herod Agrippa I, whose territory he 
enlarged by the addition of Judea and Samaria. 

Cni'dus. — An ancient city, at one time of 
great magnificence, situated at the extremity 
of a promontory in the southwestern part of 
Asia Minor. 

Col'o-ny. — This term was applied by the 
Romans to a community of Roman citizens 
transplanted into the provinces. Its members 
retained all their political rights and remained 
an integral part of the Roman state. A " col- 
ony " was thus a reproduction on a small scale 
of the city of Rome. The " colonies" were 
valuable not only as permanent supports to 
Roman garrisons and arms, but they proved a 
most effective means of extending the lan- 
guage, laws and civilization of Rome. Such 
were Lystra, Antioch of Pisidia, Troas, and 
Philippi. 

Co-los'se, or Co-los'sae. — In Paul's 
time Colosse was the most important city of 
its district. It was situated on the southern 
bank of the River Lycus, a tributary of the 
Masander, about two miles N. W. of the mod- 
ern village of Khonas. 

Co'os or Cos. — A small island off the 
southwestern coast of Asia Minor. Claudius 
conferred upon it the privileges of a free 
state. 

Cor'inth. — One of the most famous of 
the cities of Greece, situated on the isthmus 
which connects northern Greece with the 
Peloponnesus. It thus commanded the trade of 
both the East and the West. It was destroyed 
in 146 B.C. by the Romans, but in 46 B.C. was 
rebuilt by Julius Caesar. " It was eminent in 
commerce and wealth, in literature and the 
>ccir.!'y the study of rhetoric and phi- 



Ixiii 



Appendix : Bible Dictionary. 



losophy; but It was notorious also for luxury 
and moral corruption." 

Co-rin'thi-ans. — Inhabitants of Corinth. 
Those who composed the Christian church 
founded by Paul were chiefly Gentiles and 
apparently persons of inferior rank and small 
intellectual attainments. 

Cres'cens. — One of Paul's companions 
during his second Roman imprisonment, who 
had left him to go to Galatia (2 Tim. 4: 10). 

Cre 'tans. — Inhabitants of the large island 
of Crete, which forms the southern limit of the 
iEgean Sea. Many of them were Jews. Paul 
(Tit. 1: 12) quotes with assent the saying of 
the Cretan poet and philosopher, Epimenides, 
that " Cretans are alway liars, evil beasts, idle 
gluttons." 

Crete. — An island in the Mediterranean 
Sea, south of the Greek Archipelago, 160 miles 
in length and varying in width from 10 or 12 to 
35 miles. The surface is extremely moun- 
tainous', but fertile valleys abound. The island 
was celebrated in ancient times for its hundred 
cities. It was visited by Paul after his release 
from his first imprisonment at Rome. 

Cris'pus.— A Jew with a Roman name 
who was ruler of the synagogue in Corinth 
(Acts 18: 8) ; and who was converted and bap- 
tized by Paul (1 Cor. 1: 14). 

Cy'prus. — A very fertile island in the 
northeastern part of the Mediterranean Sea, 
about 50 miles south of the coast of Cilicia. It 
was the native place of Barnabas, and the first 
place to which he and Paul went on their first 
missionary journey. 

Cy-re/ne. — Avery flourishing Greek city, 
the capital of the district of northern Libya, on 
the Mediterranean coast west of Egypt. In 
the time of the apostles, Crete and Cyrene 
were joined together in one Roman province. 
There were many Jews in this city, and one 
of the synagogues in Jerusalem belonged to 
them. 

Dal-ma'ti-a. — A mountainous district 
on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea. It 
was included in the Roman province of 
Illyricum. 

Da-mas 'cus.- One of the oldest cities in 
the world, situated 133 miles N. E. of Jerusa- 
lem, and about 50 miles east of the Mediter- 
ranean Sea. It has always been the most 
important city of Syria. Around it is a fertile 
plain of so great beauty that the city is called 
the " eye of the desert." In the time of Paul 
there were many Jews here. It was for a time 
governed by Aretas (2 Cor. 11:32), an 
Arabian prince who held his kingdom under 
the Romans. It has now a population of 
nearly 150,000, most of whom are Mohamme- 
dans. 

De'mas. — A companion of Paul during 
his first Roman imprisonment, mentioned in 
Col. 4: 14, and Philemon, vs. 24. He was a 
Gentile Christian, and perhaps a resident of 
Thessalonica. His name occurs without aay 
endearing epithet, a fact which suggests that 
Paul had already discerned in him the moral 
weakness that appeared during Paul's second 
imprisonment at Rome (2 Tim. 4: 10). 

Per'foe, — A frontier city of considerable 



importance in the southeastern part of the 



district of 




province ot Galatia, and in the 
Lycaonia, just north of the 
boundary of Cilicia. Its site 
has not been determined with 
certainty, but is probably to 
be found at the modern Gude- 
lissin. 

Di-an'a. — The name of the 
goddess worshiped by the Ephe- 
sians, and by other Asiatic 
peoples. This Diana, or Arte- 
mis, must be distinguished from 
the Artemis of the Greeks, the 
goddess of the hunt. The 
Ephesian Diana was worshiped 
as the goddess of the productive 
and nutritive powers of nature. 
The image of the goddess in 
the temple at Ephesus was sup- 
posed to have fallen from the '™ age ot 
skies. Diana - 

Di-ot're-phes. — Condemned for his am- 
bition and bold disregard of apostolic authority 
(3 J°-> vss - 9) IO ) ■ He was apparently a mem- 
ber, or perhaps the head, of the unknown 
church to which Gaius belonged. 

Dru-sil/la. — The youngest of the three 
daughters of Herod Agrippa I. She war, 
married to Aziz, king of Emesa, who for her 
sake had become a Jewish proselyte. Her 
extraordinary beauty made a deep impres- 
sion on Felix, aud he succeeded in enticing 
her to desert her husband and live with him- 
self. She was about 18 years of age when 
Paul appeared before her (Acts 24: 24). 

E'gypt. — The well-known country in 
northeastern Africa along the banks of the 
River Nile, and west of the Red Sea. Its 
history probably covers fifty centuries B.C. ; 
and until its conquest by Cambyses 525 B.C., it 
was a most powerful nation. In the first cen- 
tury of the Christian era it was a dependent 
Roman province, renowned chiefly for the city 
of Alexandria, which had become a great 
center of learning. 

E'lam-ites. — Inhabitants of the ancient 
territory of Elam, lying south of Media, and 
east of Babylonia and the Tigris River. In 
the time of Daniel it was a province of Baby- 
lonia; later it was merged into the empire of 
Persia, and its chief city, Susa (or Shushan), 
was made the capital (Dan. 8:2). The Elam- 
ites appear to have kept their nationality very 
remarkably, for in A.D. 30 they appear as 
speaking a distinct language of their own. 

E'noch. — The son of jared, and the father 
of Methuselah (Gen. 5: 18-24). An extensive 
volume, written in his name, possesses interest 
not only because it is a most important survival 
of that large mass of Jewish apocalyptic litera- 
ture of which Daniel in the Old Testament and 
Revelation in the New are familiar examples, 
but because it is referred to in the New Testa- 
ment. Jude not only derives from it certain 
traditions concerning the angels (vs. 6, cf. 
Enoch 22:4), but quotes a striking prophecy 
(vss. 14, 15, cf. Enoch 1:9). The book was 
widely circulated in the early Christian centu- 
ries, but was long supposed to be lost until sev-. 



Ixiv 



Appendix : Bible Dictionary. 



eral copies of an Ethiopic translation were dis- 
covered in Abyssinia in 1773. A Greek version 
of a portion of it has recently been discovered. 
Ep 'a-phras. — A leader, if not the founder, 
of the church in Colosse, who, though called 
by Paul " my fellow-prisoner" (Philemon, vs. 
23), was probably a voluntary companion in 
his confinement. Possibly he had also been 
instrumental in founding the churches in La- 
odicea and Hierapolis. 

E-paph- ro-di 'tus. — A Philippian Chris- 
tian sent with contributions to Paul in Rome. 
On his return to Philippi he carried Paul's 
epistle to the Philippians {cf. Phil. 2:25; 4: 
18). He is thought by some to be identical 
with Epaphras (Col. 1:7; 4: 12), but this is 
improbable. That he was Paul's amanuensis 
is only a conjecture, since the postscript (in 
the A. V.) in which this is stated is unques- 
tionably a later addition. 

E-phe'sians. — Inhabitants of Ephesus. 
They were chiefly of Greek descent, but had 
been molded by Oriental influences far more 
than by those of Greece and Rome. The 
temple of the Ephesian Diana brought to- 
gether under its protection the worst elements 
of the Asiatic peoples. The Romans encour- 
aged the people in lives of lust and wantonness, 
by providing them with subsidies and letting 
them live without interference. " Ephesus was 
preeminently the city of astrology, sorcery, 
incantations, amulets, exorcisms, and every 
form of magical imposture." — Farrar. 

Eph'e-sus. — A renowned city situated in 
the center of the western coast of Asia Minor, 
on the /Egean Sea. It was the capital of the 
Roman province 
of Asia, and in 
the time of Paul 
was of nearly 
equal importance 
with Corinth as a 
commercial cen- 
ter. Its greatest 
fame came from 
its worship of the 
Asiatic Diana, 
whose temple, 
425 feet long by 
Ancient Coin, with Tempie 220 feet wide, was 
and Image of Diana. " one of the most 

celebrated shrines 
of the ancient world." It was a " free city " 
(see " Athens"). 

Ep-i-cu-re'an. — A disciple of Epicurus, 
a Greek philosopher living from 271 to 242 B.C. 
He taught that true pleasure, tested by expe- 
rience rather than reason, was the end to be 
aimed at in life, and that the ultimate pleasure 
was freedom from disturbance. He believed in 
natural causes for all phenomena, and resisted 
the idea of any supernatural interference in 
nature. Epicurism prepared the way for Chris- 
tianity by weakening the hold of polytheism 
and maintaining the claims of the body to con- 
sideration as a necessary part of man's nature 
as well as the soul. In Paul's time, however, 
this philosophy had led many of its disciples 
into the grossest sensuality. 
E-ras'tus.— One of Paul's companions in 




Ephesus (Acts 19: 22), probably the same who, 
on Paul's fourth missionary journey, was left 
by him at Corinth (2 Tim. 4:20). It is not 
probable, however, that he is to be. identified 
with the Corinthian city treasurer of the same 
name (Rom. 16: 23). 

E-thi-o'pi-a. — The country called by the 
Hebrews " Cush," lying south of Egypt, and 
including the modern Nubia and northern 
Abyssinia. There was constant commercial 
intercourse between the Ethiopians and the 
Hebrews. Although Ethiopia and Egypt were 
in their early history often united under one 
king, yet after Egypt became subject to Rome, 
Ethiopia still remained comparatively inde- 
pendent, and was able to resist successfully the 
Roman arms. 

Eu-bu'lus. — Mentioned only in 2 Tim. 
4:21. He was a Christian at Rome. 

Fair Ha'vens. — An open harbor on the 
south shore of the island of Crete. 

Fe'lix. — A Roman governor of Judea, 
appointed in A.D. 53 by the emperor Claudius. 
He and his brother Pallas were originally 
slaves in Rome, but succeeded in obtaining the 
imperial favor. Felix ruled in Samaria and 
Judea for about eight years. Although he 
succeeded in putting down many of the 
brigands that invested the country, he was 
guilty of employing hired assassins to murder 
the high priest, Jonathan, who had reproved 
him for his crimes. Tacitus says of him: 
" lie had the soul of a slave with the power of 
a sovereign, and he exercised his power in all 
manner of cruelty and lust." He was hated by 
the Jews over whom he ruled. 

Fes'tus. — The successor of Felix as 
governor of Judea. He was appointed by the 
emperor Nero in a.d. 60, but died after ruling 
less than two years. He was a much better 
ruler than Felix. 

Ga'ius (the Greek form of the Latin 
Cains). — Four apparently distinct persons 
bearing this name are mentioned in the New 
Testament, viz., Gaius of Macedonia (Acts 19: 
29), Gaius of Derbe (Acts 20:4), Gaius of 
Corinth (1 Cor. 1: 14), who extended hospi- 
tality to Paul (Rom. 16: 23), and Gaius, a con- 
vert of the apostle John (3 Jo., vs. 1). Noth- 
ing authentic is known concerning any of 
them beyond the notices coupled with their 
names. 

Ga-la'ti-a. — In an ethnographical sense 
this term denoted a limited area in central Asia 
Minor, which took its name from certain tribes 
of Gauls who crossed from western Europe 
into Asia Minor, 278 B.C., and having for a 
time overrun most of the peninsula were after- 
wards confined within a comparatively small 
territory. From 189 B.C. Galatia was ruled by 
its native kings though subject to the Romans. 
At the death of Amyntas, 25 B.C., his kingdom, 
of which Galatia was the nucleus, became a 
Roman province. This province was enlarged 
so that in 63 to 40 B.C. it included the original 
Galatia, Lycaonia, Isaurica, and parts of 
Pisidia, Phrygia, Paphlygonia, and Pontus. 
It has been commonly supposed, especially 
among English and American scholars, that 
the Galatian churches were in Galatia proper 



Ixv 



Appendix : Bible Dictionary. 



(North Galatia as it is sometimes called) , their 
precise location being unknown. But if the 
term Galatia in Gal. i : 2 refers to the Roman 
province of that name, and if Acts 16: 6 and 
18: 23 refer to a journey through the southern 
part of the province of Galatia, the Galatian 
churches would be those planted by Paul 
in Antioch of Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra, and 
Derbe. The question has recently been 
freshly investigated, and this latter view now 
appears more probable than the former (see 
Remark 8, Lesson 18, Appendix). 

Gal'i-lee — The most northern of the 
three provinces of Palestine in the time of 
Christ. Josephus describes it as a very fertile 
region, abounding in fruit and forest trees, and 
densely populated. Although the people were 
more frank and simple than their Judean kins- 
men, they were thoroughly Jewish, intensely 
patriotic, independent, and yet with a great 
respect for law and order. 

Gal/li-o. — The Roman proconsul of 
Achaia in A.D. 53, and elder brother of Seneca, 
the philosopher. " He was the very flower of 
pagan courtesy and pagan culture, a Roman 
with all a Roman's dignity and seriousness, 
and yet with all the grace and versatility of a 
polished Greek." — Farrar. 

Ga-ma'li-el.— -A Pharisee and renowned 
teacher of the law in Jerusalem, at whose feet 
Paul sat when a youth as a pupil (Acts 22: 3). 
He was a grandson of the famous Hillel. He 
is said to have had great influence in the San- 
hedrin, and to have died 18 years before the 
destruction of Jerusalem. He appears in the 
Acts as " a humane, thoughtful, high-minded, 
and religious man." 

Ga'za. — A chief city of the ancient Philis- 
tine country, 50 miles S. W. of Jerusalem, on 
the coast. It was given by the emperor 
Augustus to Herod the Great, and afterwards 
annexed to Syria. 

Gen'tiles. — The New Testament trans- 
lation of the Greek word meaning " nations," 
and used by the Jews as a name for all foreign- 
ers. Paul uses the same word of Gentile 
Christians (Rom. 11: 13; 15: 27, etc.). In the 
A. V. the word "Greeks" is several times 
loosely translated "Gentiles" (Jo. 7:35; 
Rom. 2: 9, 10; 3: 9, etc.). 

Grecian Jews (A. V., Grecians). — In 
the first century of the Christian era the Jewish 
people were divided by language into two 
classes : 

(1) Aramcean Jews, called "Hebrews" 
in Acts 6: 1, who lived chiefly in Palestine and 
in Babylon, and who retained the Aramaic lan- 
guage, and the old Hebrew ideas and customs. 

(2) Hellenists, called "Grecian Jews" in 
the R. V., and " Grecians " in the A." V. (Acts 
6: 1; 9: 29, and possibly n : 20), that is, those 
Jews who, having lived in foreign lands, had 
adopted the Greek language. 

Religiously, the Hellenistic Jews were of 
two classes: (1) the conservatives, or those 
who had adopted the Greek language but not 
Greek ideas, e.g., Saul (Acts 26:4, 51 Phil. 
3: 5); and (2) the liberals, or those who had 
adopted Greek ideas as well as the Greek lan- 
guage; such, probably, was Stephen. 



Greece. — See " Achaia." 

Greek. — (1) A Greek hy Nationality 
(Acts 18: 17, A. V.). 

(2) All Nations not Jews. In this wider 
sense the name embraces all who made the lan- 
guage, customs, and learning of the Greeks 
their own; so that where "Greeks" are 
opposed to Jews, the primary reference is to a 
difference of religion and worship (Acts 14: 1; 
16: 1, 3; 18: 4, etc.). See Thayer's Lexi- 
con. 

Ha'ran. — A place in northwestern Meso- 
potamia to which Abraham migrated from his 
native home in Ur of Chaldea. 

He'brews. — A name of very ancient and 
somewhat uncertain origin, given first to 
Abraham (Gen. 14: 13), and afterwards to the 
whole of his posterity. In Acts 6: 1 it means 
Aramaean Jews (see " Grecian Jews "). 

Her'od. — (1) Herod Antipas, referred 
to in Acts 4: 27; 13: 1. He was a son of 
Herod the Great, and tetrarch of Galilee from 
4 B.C. to a.d. 39. It was to him that Pilate 
sent Jesus for judgment (Luke 23: 6-12). 

(2) Herod Agrippa I, mentioned in Acts, 
ch. 12, was the grandson of Herod the Great. 
He was brought up in Rome, and on the acces- 
sion of Caligula to the throne (a.d. 37) was 
given rule over the districts previously held by 
Philip and Lysanias (Luke 3:1). When Clau- 
dius became emperor (a.d. 41) he gave Herod 
rule over all the rest of Palestine, making his 
kingdom even greater in extent than that of 
Herod the Great (see " Claudius ") . 

(3) Herod Agrippa II. — See " Agrippa." 
Hi-e-rap'o-lis. — A town situated a little 

more than 5 miles north of Laodicea in the 
Lycus valley. Its modern name is Pambuk- 
Kalesi. 

I-co'ni-um. —A celebrated city of Phrygia 
located at the S. W. extremity of the central 
table-lands of Asia Minor, and at the intersec- 
tion of several important Roman roads. Its 
situation was most favorable for Paul's mis- 
sionary enterprises. For administrative pur- 
poses it was united with Lycaonia, and hence 
it is generally spoken of as a city of that dis- 
trict; nevertheless the Iconians continued to 
call themselves Phrygians. That they distin- 
guished themselves from their Lycaonian 
neighbors is accurately implied by Luke in 
Acts 14:6. The modern town, Konieh, 
on the same site, is a place of considerable 
size. 

Il-lyr'i-cum. — An extensive district on 
the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea._ After 
its conquest by the Romans in 168 B.C. its bar- 
barous and warlike tribes gradually accepted 
the Roman civilization. 

Is'ra-el. — The name first given to Jacob 
after his wrestling with the angel (Gen. 32 : 28) ; 
and afterwards applied to all his descendants, 
that is, to the Hebrew people. In a figurative 
sense all true believers are called " Israel " 
(Gal. 6: 16, cf. Rom. 9:6). 

Is'ra-el-ite. —A descendant of Israel or 
Jacob; that is, a Hebrew. This was the name 
which the Hebrew people used for one an- 
other. 

It'a-ly. — The great peninsula which 



Ixvi 



Appendix : Bible Dictionary. 



stretches from the Alps to the Straits of 
Messina. 

James. — (1) The Son o/Zebedee, brother 
of John, and with him called to be among the 
twelve apostles. He was admitted with Peter 
and John into the closest intimacy with Jesus. 
Evidently he was a prominent leader in Jerusa- 
lem after Jesus' death, for he was the first one 
seized and killed by Herod Agrippa I, in his 
persecution of the Christians (Acts 12: 1, 2). 

(2) The Sou of ' Alpheeus, and one of the 
twelve apostles. He is also caljed " James the 
less." His mother is thought by some to have 
been the sister of Mary the mother of Jesus 
(</. Jo. 19: 25). 

(3) The Brother 0/ Jesus (Mt. 13:55; 
Mk. 6: 3). Thought by some to be the son of 
Joseph and Mary, hence younger than Jesus; 
by others the son of Joseph by a previous 
marriage, hence older than Jesus; by yet 
others he is identified with James the son of 
Alphaeus, and made the cousin of Jesus. This 
last is the least likely. After the ascension he 
became the leader of the church in Jerusalem 
until his death in a.d. 62 or 63. He is often 
referred to as having a position of authority 
[ct. Acts 12: 17; 15:130"; 21:18; Gal. 1:19). 
He was the author of the New Testament 
epistle which bears his name. 

Je-ru'sa-lem {city of Salini, i.e. , of the 
god of peace). — The chief city of Palestine, 
situated in the mountainous region of Judea, 
18 miles west of the point where the Jordan 
flows into the Dead Sea. David founded it 
about a citadel which he captured from the 
native Canaanites, and Solomon built its first 
great temple. Though repeatedly captured by 
enemies and more than once laid in ruins, it 
has never ceased to be in some sense the reli- 
gious center of the Hebrew people. Its popula- 
tion in the first century of our era has been 
estimated at about 100,000; it was a great 
business center as well as the seat of the Jewish 
religion and learning. In a.d. 70 it was de- 
stroyed by the Romans. The present city is 
occupied chiefly by Moslems. 

Jews (contracted from Judeans). — The 
name which arose after the exile for all the 
Hebrew people. 

John. — (1) The Beloved Disciple (Jo. 13 : 
23; 21: 7, 20). He was a Galilean fisherman, 
son of Zebedee, and brother of the James who 
was put to death by Herod Agrippa I. After 
Christ's death, he came to be regarded as one 
of the " pillars " of the church in Jerusalem 
(Gal. 2:9). It seems probable that his ban- 
ishment to Patmos, during which he wrote the 
Revelation, occurred about a.d. 68, under the 
emperor Nero. After this he is supposed to 
have gone to Ephesus, where he had the gen- 
eral oversight of the churches in Asia Minor 
until his death about a.d. 100. His gospel 
and epistles were written during the latter 
part of his life. 

(2) John Mark. See " Mark." 

Jop'pa. — An ancient seaport of southern 
Palestine nearly 40 miles from Jerusalem. It 
carried on a flourishing trade. 

Jo'seph (A.V., Joses"). — (1) Another 
Name for Barnabas {w,s.). 



(2) Joseph, Called Bar* sub-das. He was 
surnamed Justus. One of the disciples of 
Jesus, who, though not numbered among the 
Twelve, had attended him from his baptism 
and had been a witness of his resurrection. 
Eusebius reports that he was one of the 
Seventy. Aside from the facts recorded in 
Acts 1: 21-26 nothing is known of him. 

Jo'ses. — See " Joseph (1)." 

Ju'das.-(l) Judas of Galilee. A no- 
torious Jewish enthusiast, who taught that it 
was unlawful to pay tribute to Csesar, and who 
at the time of the census in A.D. 6 excited a 
revolt in Galilee. 

(2) Judas, Sou (A. V., "brother") of 
James. So called in Lu. 6: 16 and Acts 1: 
13; but Thaddaeus in Mt. 10: 3 and Mk. 3: 18. 
He was one of the Twelve. Beyond his name 
little is known of him. Untrustworthy tradi- 
tions report him as having preached in Edessa, 
and suffered martyrdom in Phoenicia. 

(3) Judas, Otte of our Lord's " Breth- 
ren." See " Jude." 

Jude, or Ju'das. — Mentioned by Mat- 
thew (13:55) as one of the four "brethren" 
of our Lord. At first no one of them believed 
in Jesus (Jo. 7: 5), but they were convinced 
by his resurrection (Acts 1: 14). Paul refers 
to them as married (1 Cor. 9: 5). Jude identi- 
fies himself in his epistle as the brother of 
James, doubtless the leader of the church in 
Jerusalem. Tradition speaks of him as "a 
very religious man " whose reverence for Jesus 
led him to speak of himself as his " servant" 
rather than brother. 

Ju-de'a. — The most southern of the three 
divisions of western Palestine in New Testa- 
ment times. Its northern boundary was about 
25 miles north of Jerusalem. In the Acts the 
name is commonly applied to all of Palestine; 
and in Mt. 19:1 with the addition "beyond 
the Jordan " it is used of territory east of the 
Jordan. From a.d. 6 until the breaking out 
of the Judeo-Roman war in a.d. 66, except 
four years, 41-44, under Herod Agrippa I, it 
constituted «vith Samaria a Roman province, 
and was governed by a Roman procurator 
whose headquarters were at Caesarea. 

Ju'pi-ter. — The Latin name used in Acts 
14: 12 for the Olympian Zeus, the national god 
of the Greeks, and the chief of all the gods. 

L,a-od-i-ce'a. — A town of considerable 
importance, about seven miles west of Colosse, 
in the southeastern portion of the province of 
Asia. From Rev. 3:17 it is inferred that it 
was a place of great wealth. During the reign 
of Tiberius, Laodicea, as well as its closely 
adjoining cities of Colosse and Hierapolis, was 
in great part destroyed by an earthquake, but 
the energy of its inhabitants soon restored it to 
its former prosperity. Plentiful ruins of its an- 
cient structures still remain close by the modern 
village of Gonjeli. 

L.a-se'a. — An ancient city of Crete, the 
ruins of which have been discovered five miles 
to the east of Fair Havens on the south shore 
of the island. 

Le'vite. — A member of the tribe of Levi, 
which was set apart to the service of the temple. 
The word usually applied only to those mem- 

Ixvii 



Appendix : Bible Dictionary, 



bers of the tribe who, not being descended 
from Aaron, were not priests, but were charged 
with the more menial duties connected with the 
temple. In the time of Christ the number of 
the Levites had greatly decreased. 

Iiib'er-tines. — Roman Jews, whose 
fathers had been taken captive by Pompey in 
63 B.C., and afterwards set free. Although 
they lived in Rome they maintained a syna- 
gogue of their own at Jerusalem. They are 
to be distinguished from the freeborn Jews 
who had gone to Rome to live. 

iLib'ya. — A large region of northern 
Africa, west of Egypt. See " Cyrene." 

La'nug. — One of the Christians in Rome 
who sent a greeting to Timothy in Paul's 
second letter to him (4: 21). In view of the 
unanimous testimony of the early church, there 
can be little doubt that the Linus mentioned by 
Paul is to be identified with the Linus who be- 
came the first bishop of Rome. 

Luke. — A companion of Paul, called by 
him "the beloved physician" (Col. 4:14). 
He is generally supposed to have been a Gen- 
tile convert of Christianity, and was undoubt- 
edly the author of the third gospel and of the 
book of Acts. He first appears, not by name, 
but implied by the use of the pronoun "we" 
(Acts 16: 11), when Paul sailed from Troas to 
Macedonia on his second missionary journey. 
Thenceforth he was with Paul much of the 
time down to the end of the apostle's life. 

Lyc-a-o'Di-a. — A district of Asia Minor, 
north of Pamphylia, and between Cappadocia 
on the east and Phrygia on the west. About 
63 B.C. the tetrarchy of Lycaonia was formed, 
containing fourteen cities, with Iconium as the 
capital; but afterwards it fell into the hands of 
king Amyntas (see " Galatia"), at whose death 
it became a part of the Roman province of 
Galatia. Its inhabitants spoke a dialect of 
which no trace now remains. 

Ly'ci-a. — A small Roman province in 
southwestern Asia Minor. 

ILyd'da. — A large town about ten miles 
S. E. of Joppa. 

Lys 'i-as. — This was the Greek name of the 
chiliarch (commander of a thousand men) who 
rescued Paul from the mob in Jerusalem. On 
purchasing his Roman citizenship, he was sur- 
named Claudius. The impression of his char- 
acter, made by his treatment of Paul, is on the 
whole favorable. 

Lys'tra. — A city of Lycaonia, about 25 
miles S. S. W. from Iconium, situated on a 
steep hill in the center of a valley a mile north 
of the modern village of Khatyn Serai. Few 
traces of it remain; but in the first century it 
was an important fortified city, and was made 
a colony (w. s.) by Augustus, who also con- 
nected it with Antioch of Pisidia by means of a 
" royal road." It was therefore a stronghold 
of Roman civilization which Paul, with his 
usual wisdom, made a center of his own work. 

Mac-e-do'ni-a. — The Roman province 
of this name covered in Paul's time the Grecian 
peninsula north of Achaia, including Thessaly 
(but notEpirus) and extending to the Adriatic 
Sea on the west and to Thrace on the east. 
Across the province, ran the great Roman 

Ixviii 



military road, the Via Egnatia, passing 
through Philippi and Thessalonica. 

Mark (or John Mark, Acts 12: 12) — 
A young man in Jerusalem who joined Saul 
and Barnabas on their return to Antioch 
after their visit to relieve the famine sufferers 
(Acts 12: 25), and accompanied them as far as 
Perga on their first missionary journey (Acts 
13: 13). He was a cousin of Barnabas (Col. 
4: 10), and went with him on his second mis- 
sionary journey after he separated from Paul. 
He was with Paul again during his first Roman 
imprisonment (Philemon, vs. 24) and still later 
was with Peter in Babylon (1 Pet. 5: 13), or in 
Rome, if Babylon is here an allegorical name 
for Rome. It was perhaps still later that Paul 
desired him to come to Rome (2 Tim. 4: 11). 
In this latter city it is not improbable that 
he wrote his gospel. His Hebrew name was 
John, by which he is often designated in Acts. 

Market of Ap'pi-us (A. V., " Appii 
forum"). — A station 43 miles from Rome 
on the Appian Way, the road built by Appius 
Claudius 312 B.C. from Rome to Capua and 
thence to Brundisium. 

Mat'thew, or Le'vi. — A taxgatherer in 
Capernaum, whom Jesus called to be one of the 
Twelve. He was the author of the first gos- 
pel. In the apostolic history his name appears 
only in Acts 1:13. An unreliable tradition 
represents him as preaching the gospel 15 
years in Judea, and afterwards among the Par- 
thians, Medes, and Persians. 

Mat-thi'as. — Chosen an apostle in place 
of Judas. He had been a constant attendant 
of Christ during his ministry. 

Medes. — The inhabitants of Media, the 
kingdom S. W. of the Caspian Sea, and east 
of Assyria. Media was conquered by the Per- 
sian king Cyrus in 558 B.C., and afterwards 
was incorporated into the kingdom of Persia. 

Mel'i-ta. — Now known as Malta. This 
is the largest of a group of five islands lying 
55 to 60 miles south of Sicily. It is about 17 
miles long by 9 broad. "On the west and 
south the cliffs rise sheer from the sea to a 
height of 300 to 400 feet; on the north the 
rock in many places shelves to the water's 
edge, though the harbor of Valetta and the 
rocks where the apostle Paul was wrecked are 
an exception to this." 

Mer'cu-ry (A. V., Mercurius). — The 
Mercury mentioned in Acts 14:12 was the 
Greek deity, Hermes. He is spoken of as the 
herald of Zeus and the other gods; also as an 
eloquent orator and the inventor of letters, 
music, and the arts. The Roman god Mer- 
cury was the god of commerce and bargains.^ 

Mes-o-po-ta'mi-a. — The region in Asia 
Minor lying between the Euphrates and Tigris 
Rivers, and extending from the Taurus Moun- 
tains almost to the Persian Gulf. This terri- 
tory was ruled by Assyria, then by the Medes 
and Babylonians, and finally by Persia. Many 
Jews had gone there to live. 

Mid>i-an, The Land of. — The terri- 
tory inhabited by the Midianites. It was sit- 
uated in the northwestern part of the Arabian 
Peninsula, and reached to the borders of 
Palestine. 



Appendix : Bible Dictionary. 



it 30 miles south 
of Asia Minor. 



Mi-le'tus. — A town about 
of Ephesus, on the seacoast 

In Paul's day it was a comparatively insignifi- 
cant place, but 500 years earlier it was the most 
flourishing city of the Ionian Greeks. 

Mit-y-le'ne. — The chief town of the 
island of Lesbos, situated on its eastern shore. 
It was a free city, and was noted for its fine 
buildings. It has had an uninterrupted history 
until the present time; and is now called 
Castro. 

Mo 'loch. — An Amorite god thought to be 
related to the sun-god Baal, Moloch repre- 
senting the fierce, destructive power of the 
solar heat, and Baal its life-giving energy. 

My'ra. — A wealthy seaport of Lycia, on . 
the Mediterranean coas<. The site is remark- 
able for the magnificent ruins that still remain. 
Ships from Alexandria for Rome frequently 
availed themselves of the harbors and currents 
along this coast. 

My'si-a. — In the time of Paul this was 
the northwestern district of the province of 
Asia. It bordered on the Propontis, or Sea of 
Marmora, and the /Bgean Sea. 

Naz'a-reth. — The small town in southern 
Galilee where Jesus passed the first 30 years of 
his life. It is situated in a beautiful region. 
At present the town has a population of about 
5,000. 

Ne-ap'o-lia. — A maritime city of Mace- 
donia. It was about ten miles from the inland 
city Philippi, of which place it was evidently 
the port. 

Ni-ca'nor. — One of the Seven appointed 
to oversee the distribution of the common fund 
(Acts 6: 3-5). According to tradition he was 
one of the Seventy, and died in the persecution 
that followed the martyrdom of Stephen. 

Ni-eo-la'i-tans. — A sect that sprang 
up among the Christians of Asia Minor (Rev. 
2: 6, 15), and that upheld the liberty of eating 
things sacrificed to idols, and of living in licen- 
tiousness. In the practices of the heathen the 
two were closely united, and therefore both 
were included in things prohibited by the 
council in Jerusalem (Acts 15: 29). The 
deacon Nicolas (Acts 6:5) is said to have 
been its founder, but this is very doubtful. 

iNic'o-las. — A native of Antioch, and a 
proselyte to Judaism. He was one of the 
Seven appointed to " serve tables." Accord- 
ing to a trustworthy report he was himself a 
chaste man; but he is nevertheless by another 
and less accurate tradition charged with origi- 
nating the immoral sect of the Nicolaitans 
(Rev. 2:6). 

Ni-cop'o-lis. — The city at which Paul on 
his fourth missionary journey intended to pass 
the winter. In the absence of more definite 
information, it is impossible to say with cer- 
tainty which one of the several cities in Asia, 
Africa and Europe bearing this name is 
meant. From what is known of Paul's move- 
ments after his release from the first Roman 
imprisonment, it is highly probable, however, 
that the Xicopolis referred to is the celebrated 
city founded by Augustus on the western 
coast of Epirus. It has been supposed that 
>ince this was a Roman colony, it may have 



been here that Paul was arrested, and from 
here that he was sent a second time as a pris- 
oner to Rome. 

NyinVphas. — A distinguished Colossian 
Christian in whose house the church met (Col. 
4: 15). The Greek text at this point is uncer- 
tain, and does not enable us to say whether the 
person spoken of was man or woman. 

Ol'i-vet. — A name given in Acts 1 : 12 to 
the Mount of Olives. This was a ridge on the 
eastern side of Jerusalem, and separated from 
it by the valley of the Kidron. Its general 
elevation is about 3,000 feet. There are four 
peaks, the principal one being the so-called 
Mount of the Ascension, directly to the east of 
the city; it is supposed that Christ's ascension 
took place from some point on the eastern slope 
of this mountain. 

O-nes 'i-mus. — A slave, probably of Ph ry- 
gian birth, who had run away from Philemon. 
Beyond the expression in Paul's letter to Phile- 
mon, "if he hath wronged thee at all, or 
oweth thee aught," there is no evidence that he 
had been guilty of crime, or had run away to 
escape punishment. He belonged in Colosse 
(Col. 4:9). See " Philemon." 

On-e-siph'o-rus. — A large-hearted Ephe- 
sian Christian whose noble courage and gen- 
erosity in Paul's behalf during the second 
Roman imprisonment is gratefully acknowl- 
edged in 2 Tim. 1 : 16-18 ; 4 : 19. 

Pain-phyl 'i-a. — A small Roman province 
on the southern coast of Asia Minor, nearly 
opposite the island of Cyprus. 

Pa'phos. — A town at the west end of the 
island of Cyprus, and the center of the profli- 
gate worship of Aphrodite. 

Par'nie-nas. — Mentioned only in con- 
nection with the distribution of the common 
fund (Acts 6:5). According to tradition he 
suffered martyrdom at Philippi. 

Par'thi-ans. — Inhabitants of the region 
S. E. of the Caspian Sea and east of Media. 
The Parthian kingdom flourished from 256 rs.c. 
to A.D. 226, when it succumbed to the power of 
Persia. 

Pat'a-ra. — A seaport of some note on the 
southwestern coast of Asia Minor, situated 
some 35 to 40 miles west of Myra, in the 
province of Lycia. 

Pat'mos. — An island in the eastern part 
of the iEgean Sea, 10 miles long and 6 wide, 
but, owing to the winding character of the 
coast, having about 37 miles of shore. It is 
hilly, of volcanic origin, rugged and bare. At 
one time it was covered by forests, but now 
only a few trees remain. In ancient times it 
appears to have contained a population of 
12,000 to 13,000. In the middle ages the island 
was deserted, but at present it numbers about 
4,000 Greek inhabitants, peaceable and indus- 
trious, mostly fishermen, whose poverty has 
been their best defense against the rapacity of 
external oppressors. The chief, if not only, 
interest that attaches to the island arises from 
its connection with the banishment of th^ 
apostle John. 

Paul. — The apostle whose Hebrew name 
wps Saul. He was born in Tarsus of Cilicia, 
of Jewish parents. His father, though a Phari- 



hix 



Appendix ; Bible Dictionary. 



see, was a Roman citizen, which may account 
for his Roman name. In the Acts the name 
" Paul " is first used in connection with the 
narrative of the apostle's visit to Cyprus. See 
" Saul." 

Per'ga. — An important city of Pamphylia 
on the river Cestros, about 12 miles from the 
sea. It was celebrated for its temple of Arte- 
mis (see "Diana"). 

Per'ga-mum (A. V., Per'ga-mos). 
— An ancient and magnificent city of Mysia 
and capital of a kingdom which in 133 B.C. 
was bequeathed to the Romans, who erected 
it into a province under the name of Asia. 
Pergamum continued to retain much of its 
former splendor, and ranked with Ephesus and 
Smyrna as one of the three chief cities of the 
province. Under the Romans it became cele- 
brated for the worship of .^Esculapius, whose 
priests were consulted by invalids from all 
parts of the country. It contained so many 
heathen temples that it is aptly described 
in Rev. 2: 13 as containing " Satan's 
throne." 

Pe'ter. — The Greek translation of the 
Aramaic name Cephas {rock), given by Jesus 
to the Galilean fisherman Simon, when he first 
met him with his brother Andrew on the banks 
of the Jordan (Jo.' 1:41, 42). He "comes 
before us as a sharply defined type of the Gali- 
leans, well-intentioned, trustworthy, independ- 
ent, and courageous, but also susceptible to 
new impressions, fond of innovations, and by 
nature disposed to changes according to fancy." 
Although he baptized the Gentile Cornelius 
after receiving the vision from heaven, yet he 
was afterwards severely rebuked by Paul for 
his exclusive attitude toward the Gentile 
Christians (Gal. 2: 11-14). His first epistle 
shows that the lesson of the universality of the 
gospel was finally learned. According to tradi- 
tion he died a martyr at Rome under Nero. 
The papal fiction of a 25 years' residence in 
Rome (a.d. 42-67) as founder and first 
bishop of the Roman church is contradicted 
by the notices in the book of Acts, and is 
unsupported by any credible tradition. See 
" Simon." 

Phar'i-sees. — A sect or party of the Jews 
first mentioned by this name in the days of 
John Hyrcanus (135-105 B,c), but represent- 
ing a tendency dating from the days of Ezra 
and Nehemiah. It was composed of those 
pious Jews who were especially exact about 
the interpretation and observance of the Old 
Testament ceremonial law. They opposed all 
the innovations of the Greek religion and 
learning, and about 6,000 of them refused to 
take the oath of allegiance to Herod the Great. 
At the same time their main purpose was to 
keep, not only the written law, but the innumer- 
able traditional interpretations of the scribes 
which had accumulated for centuries, and for 
which they came at length to have more regard 
than for the law itself (Mk. 7: 6-9). Christ 
rebuked them most severely for the variance 
between their teaching and their practice, and 
for their nullifying the law of God by their 
traditions. They represented a religious system 
carried out to a most burdensome minuteness, 



but were nevertheless held in great esteem by 
the masses of the people. 

Phe-ni'ce. - See " Phoenicia," and" Phoe- 
nix." 

Phil-a-del'phi-a. — A city in the cen- 
tral part of the province of Asia, founded about 
200 B.C. It was situated 25 to 30 miles S. E. 
of Sardis, on elevated ground, commanding a 
view of the extensive and fertile plain of the 
river Hermus. The site is occupied by the 
modern Turkish city of Ala-Shehr, which has 
a population of about 18,000. 

Phi-le'mon. — From the epistle to Phile- 
mon it appears that he had been converted 
under Paul's ministry, perhaps at Ephesus. 
He seems to have been a man of noble charac- 
ter, possessed of considerable property and 
influence. Between him and Paul a close 
friendship had sprung up. It is nowhere 
directly stated that he was a resident of Colosse 
in Phrygia, but this may be inferred from the 
fact that Philemon and Archippus are saluted 
together (Philemon vss. 1, 2), and hence, as 
Archippus was an officer in the church at 
Colosse (Col. 4: 17), Philemon must have been 
a Colossian, and Onesimus, his slave, a 
Colossian also. 

Phil'ip.— (1) The Apostle. A native of 
Bethsaida, and one of the Twelve, who is 
prominently mentioned in connection with 
Christ's ministry, but disappears after the 
mention of his name in Acts 1: 13. There is 
a not wholly groundless tradition that he 
resided in Asia Minor. 

(2) The Evangelist. One of the Seven 
chosen to see to the impartial distribution of 
the common fund. Next to Stephen he seems 
to have been the most distinguished among 
them. After Stephen's martyrdom the gospel 
was carried by him to Samaria (Acts 8: 5-8), 
where a great revival occurred; to the Ethio- 
pian eunuch, who was converted and baptized 
(vss. 26-39) '> an< i to Azotus and other cities 
(vs. 40). He seems to have made Csesarea the 
center of his activity, where, with his four 
daughters, he entertained Paul on his way to 
visit Jerusalem for the last time (Acts 21 : 8,9). 

Phi-lip'pi. — A city of southeastern Mace- 
donia about 10 miles from the coast. _ It was 
originally built by Philip I of Macedonia. The 
city which Paul visited was a Roman colony 
(see " Colony "), built by Augustus on almost 
the same site as the ancient city. Around it 
was a most fertile plain, and near by were 
gold mines originally worked by Phoenicians. 
It is described by Luke (Acts 16 : 12) as " first " 
(z. e., the leading) city, not of Macedonia, 
but of that one of the four " districts" of the 
Roman province of Macedonia in which it was 
situated. 

Phce-ni'ci-a (A. V., "Phenice," Acts 
11:19; 15:3). — A tract of the province of 
Syria, extending along the Mediterranean 
coast northward from Mount Carmel for about 
140 miles. In width it varied from 10 to 15 
miles. Its two cities Tyre and Sidon were 
world-renowned. 

Phoe'nix (A. V., "Phenice," Acts 
27: 12). — A town and harbor on the southern 
shore of Crete. 



Ixx 



Appendix ; Bible Dictionary. 



Phryg'i-a. — A territory in the western 
part of the interior of Asia Minor, originally 
inhabited by Phrygians. In the time of Paul's 
ministry the greater part of it belonged to the 
province of Asia and the remainder to that of 
Galatia. There was no distinct province of 
Phrygia until later. 

Pi 'late. — The Roman procurator, or 
governor, of Judea, from a.d. 26 to 36. His 
fear of Caesar's displeasure at any appearance 
of insurrection led him to deliver Jesus up to 
be crucified. 

Pi-sid'i-a. — A district of Asia Minor to 
the north of Pamphylia. The larger portion 
of this district was included in the Roman 
province of Galatia. 

Pon'tus. — A region in northern Asia 
Minor which was included in the Roman prov- 
ince of Bithynia. See " Kithynia." 

Pris-eil'la. — The wife of Aquila, the 
tentmaker of Pontus, whom Paul found in 
Corinth. She is also called Prisca (1 Cor. 16: 
19, R. V.). 

Proch'o-rus. — One of the Seven ap- 
pointed to supervise the distribution of the 
common fund (Acts 6:5). Tradition affirms 
that he was consecrated bishop of Nicomedia 
by Peter. 

Ptol-e-ma'is. — The name given during 
the period of Roman power to the ancient city 
of Accho, situated on the coast of the Mediter- 
ranean Sea, about 30 miles north of Cassarea. 
The modern name is sikka, or Acre. 

Pub'li-us. — The name of the "chief" 
man of the island of Malta, who entertained 
Paul after the shipwreck. The word " chief" 
does not seem to have been a title of official 
rank, but rather to have designated Publius as 
the leading man of the island, whether by 
reason of nis being magistrate or for some 
other reason. 

Pu'dens. — One of the Roman Christians 
who sent greetings to Timothy in Paul's second 
epistle to him (4: 21). The Roman poet, Mar- 
tial, living in Rome at the time of Paul's 
second imprisonment, speaks in one of his 
epigrams of a Pudens and a Claudia, husband 
and wife, then residents of Rome, who with 
some probability have been identified with the 
friends of Timothy mentioned by Paul. 

Pu-te 'o-li. — A city of Italy, on the north- 
ern shore of the Bay of Naples. Near it were 
renowned mineral springs. Under the emper- 
ors it had a great commerce. 

Rem'phan. — A star-god worshiped by 
the Hebrews. The name is supposed by many 
scholars to stand for the planet Saturn. 

Rhe'gi-uin. — A town and promontory at 
the extremity of the toe of the Italian Penin- 
sula, opposite, and only six miles distant from, 
Messina in Sicily. 

Rhodes. — A celebrated island in the S. E. 
portion of the ^Egean Sea. It is 45 miles 
long and 22 miles wide. The chief city is 
Rhodes, situated at the N. E. extremity of 
the island. 

Rome. — The renowned capital of the 
whole ancient world, situated in west-central 
Italy on the River Tiber, about 15 miles from 
the sea. In the time of Paul its population 



numbered probably 1,500,000, of which nearly 
one-half are thought to have been slaves. 

Sad'du-cees. — A party among the Jews, 
distinguished for birth, wealth and official 
position. They are thought by some to have 
been the posterity of the high priest Zadok, 
although they do not appear as a party before 
about 100 B.C. They were not averse to the 
progress of Greek literature and learning. 
They accepted the written law of Moses, but 
rejected totally the mass of Pharisaic tradition 
that had grown up around it. To this fact 
may be traced their disbelief in the resurrec- 
tion of the body, in future retribution, and in 
the existence of angels and spirits (Acts 23 : 8) , 
since, on their method of interpretation, they 
found no basis for these beliefs in the law. 
Being mainly politicians, they ceased to exist 
with the overthrow of the Jewish state. 

Sal'a-mis. — The largest city of Cyprus; 
it was situated on a good harbor at the eastern 
end of the island. There were in the city 
people of many nationalities, and a large 
number of Jews maintaining several syna- 
gogues. 

Sal-mo'ne. — The eastern extremity of 
the island of Crete. 

Sa-rna'ri-a.— (1) The Middle of the 
Three Divisions 0/ Western Palestine in the 
Time 0/ Christ, extending from Mount Carmel 
and the plain of Esdraelon on the north to the 
ancient borders of the territory of Benjamin, 
about thirty miles to the south. It was very 
fertile and had a healthful climate. The Sa- 
maritans originated in the mixed race which 
sprang up in northern Israel after the fall of 
the kingdom of Israel, in 722 B.C., from the 
intermarriage of the heathen Assyrian colo- 
nists with the remnant of the Israelites left in 
the land. On account of this intermixture of 
heathen blood the Samaritans were despised 
by the Jews of Judea and Galilee. There are 
still about 150 Samaritans living in Nablus, 
near the site of the ancient Shechem. See 
" Judea." 

(58) A City in the Territory of the Sa- 
7>iaritans, built originally by Omri (1 Ki. 16: 
24) . Augustus gave it to Herod the Great, who 
fortified and adorned it, and called it Sebaste 
from the Greek name of Augustus. It is 
mentioned in the New Testament only in 
Acts 8: 5. 

Sa'nios. — A lofty island in the ^Egean 
Sea, near the coast of Asia. 

Sam-o-thrace'. — A lofty and conspicu- 
ous island in the northeastern part of the 
./Egean Sea, 20 miles off the coast of Thrace. 
It had the privileges of a small free state. 

San'he-drin (or Sanhedrim). — The su- 
preme court of the Jews, consisting of 71 
members, from the three classes of elders, 
or heads of families, scribes, or teachers of 
the law, and priests. Every member was 
called a " ruler." The presiding officer was 
the high priest. The place of meeting was in 
a chamber of the temple, until soon after A.D. 
30, when it was removed to a building outside. 
The Romans allowed the Sanhedrin to try all 
the more important cases. It could also pro- 
nounce a sentence of death, but could not 



Ixxi 



Appendix : Bible Dictionary. 



execute it without the consent of the Roman 
procurator. 

Sar'dis. — A city in the central region of 
the province of Asia, situated at the foot of 
Mt. Tmolus in the middle Hermus valley. 
It was the ancient residence of the Lydian 
kings, and a city of great luxury and magnifi- 
cence. A large trade of dyed woolen manu- 
factures was carried on in the city. Through 
it ran the Pactolus River, it was said over 
"golden sands"; but probably this was only 
a metaphor based on the extraordinary wealth 
of the city. Its site is now almost entirely 
deserted. 

Sar'on. — See " Sharon." 

Saltan. — The proper name applied in 
Scripture to the chief of the evil spirits. He 
is spoken of as the "prince of devils" (Mt. 
12: 24), with angels subject to him (Mt. 
25:41)- 

Saul. — The Jewish name of the apostle 
Paul. The name " Paul" first appears in the 
record shortly after he began his missionary 
journeys among the Gentiles (Acts 13: 9). It 
is supposed by some that this was because 
Paul was the apostle's Roman name as a 
citizen of Tarsus. Others think that this 
name was taken from that of Sergius Paulus, 
who became a Christian under Paul's preaching 
(Acts 13 : 7). This, however, is less probable. 

Se-cun'dus. — Named only in Acts 20: 4. 

Se-leu'ci-a. — The seaport of Antioch of 
Syria, 16 miles distant from that city on the 
Mediterranean coast. It was a free city (see 
" Athens") in Paul's time. 

Shar'on (A. V., " Saron," Acts 9: 35). 
— A very fertile plain extending from Caesarea 
to Toppa. 

Si 'don (called Zidon in the O. T.). — One 
of the two renowned seaports of Phoenicia, 
the other being Tyre (w. s.). Christianity 
gained an early foothold there (Acts 27: 3). 

Si 'las (called Silvanus in the epistles, 
1 Thes. 1: i,etc). — A prominent member of 
the Christian church in Jerusalem. He was 
sent from there, with Paul and Barnabas, after 
the council (Acts, ch. 15), and later_ accom- 
panied Paul on his second missionary journey. 
He was a Roman citizen (Acts 16:37), but 
how he obtained this privilege is not known. 

Sil-va'nus. — See " Silas." 

Si'mon. — The original name of the 
apostle Peter (Jo. 1: 41,42). In Acts 15:14 
he is called " Symeon" (R. V.) and" Simeon" 
(A. V.). See "Peter." 

Smyr'na. — A city on the western coast 
of the province of Asia, situated about 40 miles 
north of Ephesus. " Smyrna, in ancient times 
one of the most important and now by far the 
greatest of the cities of Asia Minor, has pre- 
served an unbroken continuity of record and 
identity of name from the first dawn of history 
to the present time." Its present population 
is about 200,000, and it is the center of an ex- 
tensive commerce. 

Sop 'a-ter. — Mentioned only in Acts 20 : 4. 

Spain. — The great peninsula in southwest 
Europe which still bears that name. 

Steph'a-nas. — A resident of Corinth, 
where he and his household had been con- 



verted and baptized by Paul as the "first- 
fruits of Achaia " (1 Cor. 16: 15). His coming 
to Paul at Ephesus (1 Cor. 16: 17) rejoiced the 
apostle greatly. 

Ste'phen. — The first in the list of the 
seven men of good report who were appointed 
to oversee the distributions when the church 
in Jerusalem had all things common (Acts 6: 
3-6). He appears to have been a Hellenist 
of a rather liberal type. See " Grecian Jews 

Sto'ics. — A school of Athenian philoso- 
phers, founded by Zeno toward the close of the 
4th century B.C. It derives its name from 
the painted porch, or Stoa, in which he taught. 
The Stoics held that God was the soul of the 
world, its ruler and upholder. The soul was 
not immortal. Virtue was its own reward; 
vice its own punishment. The wise man 
should be indifferent alike to pleasure and to 
pain. The Stoics founded their morality on a 
pride so inflated that they regarded themselves 
as the equals of the gods. They helped to 
prepare the way for the gospel by emphasizing 
the common relations of all men to God, and 
the ties that unite mankind. 

Sym'e-on (A. V., " Simeon").— See 
" Simon." 

Syr'a-cuse. — A celebrated city on the 
eastern coast of Sicily. It had a fine harbor. 

Syr'i-a. — In the time of Paul the district 
called Syria extended from the Amanus and 
Taurus mountains on the north to the border 
of Galilee in the south. On the west it was 
bounded by Phoenicia and the Mediterranean 
Sea, and on the east by the Euphrates River 
and the Arabian desert. It was one of the 
chief Roman provinces, and at certain periods 
the province of Judea, though having its own 
governor, was in a measure subordinate to the 
governor of Syria. 

Syr'tis (A. V.,"the quicksands"). — On 
the northern coast of Africa were two exten- 
sive shoals and quicksands known as the Syrtis 
Major and the Syrtis Minor. The danger of 
being driven upon the former occasioned much 
anxiety on Paul's ship during the storm (Acts 

2 7 :i 7)- 

Tar'sus. — The capital of Cilicia during 
the Roman period, situated on the river Cyd- 
nus, about 20 miles from its mouth. It was a 
" free city," that is, exempt from the jurisdic- 
tion of a Roman governor, and having its own 
magistrates and laws. It was renowned for its 
Greek learning and its numerous schools of 
philosophy. Paul was born here. 

Thes-sa-lo-ni'ca. — A celebrated and 
populous city of southern Macedonia, at the 
head of the Thermaic Gulf. It was named 
after the sister of Alexander the Great. Its 
position as capital of the Roman province of 
Macedonia and its situation on the coast and 
also on the great Roman road, the Via Egtia- 
tia, gave it considerable importance though 
not equal to that of Corinth or of Ephesus. 
Augustus made it a "free city" (see 
" Athens"). The present city, Salonica, is 
still, next to Constantinople, the most impor- 
tant city of European Turkey. 

The Temple. — The seat of Jehovah's 



Ixxii 



Appendix : Bible Dictionary ». 



worship for the nation of Israel. For its gen- 
eral plan as rebuilt by Herod, in the time of 
Christ, see the cut below. 




GENERAL PLAN OF THE TEMPLE: 

i. Holy of Holies. 2. Holy Place. 3. 
Great Altar of Burnt Offering. 4. Court of 
the Priests. 5. Court of Israel. 6. Gate 
Nicanor. 7. Court of the Women. 8. Beau- 
tiful Gate. 9. " Chel," or Balustrade, within 
which Gentiles were not allowed to go. 10. 
Court of the Gentiles. 11. Royal Porch. 12. 
Solomon's Porch. 13. Entrance to Castle 
Antonia. 14. Entrance to Bridge to Mt. Zion. 

The Holy of Holies in the temple proper 
was a dark cubical chamber, thirty feet high 
long and broad. In the tabernacle it contained 
the ark, but in the temple was empty. It 
was separated from the Holy Place by a 
partition of cedar wood overlaid with gold, 
and communicated with it by a folding door 
screened by a veil. The Holy Place was a 
chamber sixty feet long by thirty feet wide and 
high; it was in front of the Holy of Holies 
and contained the golden candlestick, table of 
shew-bread, and altar of incense. Into this 
shrine, or temple proper, only the priests could 
enter, and into the Holy of Holies only the 
high priest, once a year (Heb. 9: 3-7, cf. Ex. 
30: 10). 

The temple of Herod was begun 2oor 21 B.C. 
The temple proper occupied a year and a half 
in building, the courts eight years, and the 
approaches were still unfinished in the time of 
our Lord's ministry (Jo. 2: 20). 

The-oph'i-lus. — A warm friend of Luke, 
probably a Gentile, to whom both the third 

fospel and the Acts are dedicated. He may 
ave been a man of rank, since Luke once 
calls him "most excellent" (Lu. 1:3), a 
phrase used in the Acts (23:26; 26:25) in 
addressing persons of conspicuous rank or 
office. 

Theu'das. — Josephus mentions a num- 
ber of Jewish insurgents who arose about the 
time of the death of Herod the Great, 4 B.C., 
and adds, " At this time there were ten thou- 
sand other disorders in Judea, which were like 
tumults." Possibly the Theudas referred to 
by Gamaliel (Acts 5:36) may have been in- 



cluded in these. Josephus, indeed, describes 
an insurrection which was headed by one 
Theudas, but this did not occur until ten or 
more years later. 

Three Taverns. — A station on the Ap- 
pian Way (see " Market of Appius "), thirty- 
three miles from Rome. 

Thy-a-ti ' ra. — A city between Pergamum 
and Sardis, in Lydia, the central district of the 
western portion of the province of Asia. It was 
originally a colony of Macedonians. There is 
evidence of the existence in the city of guilds 
of bakers, potters, tanners, weavers, robe- 
makers, and dyers (Acts 16: 14). 

Ti-mo'the-us. — The Greek name of 
Timothy {iv. s.). 

Tim'o-thy. — The son of a Greek father 
and Jewish mother, residing apparently at 
Lystra (Acts 16:1,2). He had been devoutly 
trained as a Jew by his mother Eunice and 
his grandmother Lois (2 Tim. 1:5). It is 
probable that he was turned to Christianity on 
Paul's first visit to Lystra. When Paul re- 
visited the place on his second missionary 
journey, he found Timothy ready and willing 
to accompany him and to aid in his work. The 
young disciple was much beloved by Paul, and 
was sent by him at different times to visit the 
churches of Thessalonica (1 Thes. 3:2) and 
Corinth (1 Cor. 4:17) to strengthen them in 
the faith (co»ip. Phil. 2:19; 1 Tim. 1:3). 
Tradition says that he was later made bishop 
of Ephesus, and died as a martyr under either 
Domitian or Nerva. 

Ti'tus. — A Gentile Christian, who was 
Paul's companion in some of his journeys and 
his assistant in Christian work. He was twice 
sent by Paul to Corinth, and charged to receive 
there the collection for the saints at Jeru- 
salem. From the epistle to Titus, written to 
him when he was alone in Crete, may be 
seen the confidence which Paul reposed in him. 

Tro'as. — A very important town on the 
N. W. coast of Mysia near the mouth of the 
Hellespont. It was a Roman colony (see 
" Colony"). 

Tro-gyl'li-um. — The name of a rocky 
promontory which projects from the mainland 
directly opposite the island of Samos {w. s.). 
The word is omitted from the R. V. (Acts 
20: 15). 

Troph'i-mus. — A native of Ephesus, 
and one of Paul's Gentile converts mentioned 
in Acts 20: 4; 21.29; 2 Tim. 4:20. 

Tych'i-cue. — A native of the province of 
Asia, and one of Paul's companions and fellow- 
laborers. He is mentioned in Acts 20: 4; Col. 
4: 7, 8; 2 Tim. 4: 12. 

Tyre. — One of the two renowned Phoe- 
nician cities on the Mediterranean coast, about 
100 miles from Jerusalem. It is said by Herod- 
otus to have been founded in 2,750 B.C. In 
apostolic times it was still an important com- 
mercial city. 

Ze'nas. — A Christian associated with 
Apollos, and hence probably a preacher, whom 
Paul commended to Titus when the latter was 
laboring in Crete (Tit. 3: 13). He is spoken 
of as " the lawyer," but whether in the Jewish 
or the Roman sense of the term is not clear. 



Ixxiii 



Appendix : Opening Service — No. I. 



OPENING SERVICE FOR ALIi GRADES— First Quarter. 

Note. — At the sound of the bell the school comes to order, and joins heartily in the following 
service. All business may be attended to either before the hour or after the lesson. From the 
beginning of worship to the close of the lesson, let nothing interrupt. 

Z. OPENING SENTENCES (one or more) by the Superintendent. 

1. Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness : 
come before his presence with singing. 

2. Know ye that the Lord he is God : it is he that hath made us, and we are his ; 
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanks- 
giving, and into his courts with praise : 

3. Give thanks unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy 
endureth for ever ; and his faithfulness unto all generations. (Ps., 100.) 

(Or any other short psalm or suitable portion of Scripture which the Superintendent may 
select.) 

2. OPENING HYMN. {School standing if desired by the Superintendent^ 

3. PRAYER, closing with the Lord's Prayer in concert. 

4. GLORIA PATRI. {To be said or sung by the whole school, immediately after the 

close of the Lord's Prayer. School rise at the sound of organ.) 
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the 
beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. 

5. RESPONSIVE READING. (Ps., 84.) {School standing.) 
Superintendent. — How amiable are thy tabernacles, 

School. — O Lord of hosts! 

Supt. — My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord; 

School. — My heart and my flesh cry out unto the living God. 

Supt. — Yea, the sparrow hath found her an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, 

where she may lay her young, 
School. — Even thine altars, O Lord of hosts, my King, and my God. 
Supt. — Blessed are they who dwell in thy house : 
School. — They will be still praising thee. 
Supt. — Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; 
School. — In whose heart are the highways to Zion. . . . 
Supt. — Behold, O God our shield, 
School. — And look upon the face of thine anointed. 
Supt. — For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. 
School. — I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the 

tents of wickedness. 
Supt. — For the Lord God is a sun and a shield : 
School. — The Lord will give grace and glory : no good thing will he withhold from 

them that walk uprightly. 
Pastor. — O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in the©. 

6. SONG SERVICE. ( One or two selections^ 

?. THE SCRIPTURE LESSON FOR THE DAY {see lessons). This may be read 
in concert or by verse responsively by Superintendent and School, or by different 
parts of the school.) 

B. REPETITION OF THE GOLDEN TEXT. {In concert,) 

9. ANNOUNCEMENTS. 

10. STUDY OF THE LESSON. 

IXXW [T.G.A. 1] 



Appendix : Opening Service — No. 2. 



OPENING SERVICE FOR ALL GRADES. — Second Quarter. 

(Promptly at the sound of the bell let there be perfect quiet of the school.) 

i. MUSIC — HYMNS. 

2. READ OR REPEAT IN UNISON, Psalm 23. 

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie clown in 
green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He resloreth my soul : he 
guideth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I 
walk through the valley of the shadow of death; I will fear no evil; for thou art 
with me : thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before 
me in the presenee of mine enemies: thou hast anointed my head with oil; my 
cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of 
my life : and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. 

3. PRAYER, closing with the Lord's Prayer in unison. 

4. SERVICE OE SONG. 

5. RESPONSIVE READING, 1 Corinthians, ch. 13. 

Superintendent. If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have 
not love, I am become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal. 

School. And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all 
knowledge ; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, hut 
have not love, I am nothing. 

And if I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be 
burned, but have not love, it profiteth me nothing. 

Love suff ereth long, and is kind ; love envieth not ; love vaunteth not 
itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not 
its own, is not provoked, taketh not account of evil; rejoiceth not in 
unrighteousness, but rejoiceth with the truth ; beareth all things, be- 
lieveth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 

Love never faileth : but whether there be prophecies, they shall be done away ; 
whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it 
shall be done away. 

For we know in part, and we prophesy in part : hut when that which is 
perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away. 

When I was a child, I spake as a child, I felt as a child, I thought as a child: 
now that I am become a man, I have put away childish things. 

For now we see in a mirror, darkly ; but then face to face : now I know 
in part; but then shall I know even as also I have been known. 

All. BUT NOW ABIDETH FAITH, HOPE, LOVE, THESE THREE; AND 
THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE. 

6. HYMN. 

7. REVIEW QUESTIONS, by the Superintendent. 

8- SCRIPTURE : the passage to be read in school with the Lesson for the day (see 
Lessons). This may be read in unison, or by verse responsively. 

9. REPETITION OF THE GOLDEN TEXT, in unison. 

10. ANNOUNCEMENTS. 

11. STUDY OF THE LESSON. 



Ixxv rr.G.A.,l 



Appendix: Opening Service — No. 3. 



OPENING SERVICE FOR ALli GRADES Third Quarter. 

(Promptly at the sound of the bell let there be perfect quiet in the school*) 

1. SERVICE OF SONG. 

2. REPEAT IN UNISON, Psalm 121. 

I will lift up mine eyes unto the mountains! from whence shall my help come? 
My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not 
suffer thy foot to be moved : he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he 
that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is thy keeper : 
the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, 
nor the moon by night. The Lord shall keep thee from all evil; he shall keep 
thy soul. The Lord shall keep thy going out and thy coming in, from this time 
forth and for evermore. 

3. HYMN. 

4. PRAYER, closing with the Lord's Prayer in unison. 

5. GLORIA PATRI. (To be sung by the whole school, standing, immediately 

at the close of the Lord's Prayer.) 

6. RESPONSIVE READING, Eph. 6 : 10-18. (School still standing.) 
Superintendent. Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. 
School. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand 

against the wiles of the devil. 

For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, 
against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the 
spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 

"Wherefore take up the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to 
withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand. 

Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breast- 
plate of righteousness, 

And having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace ; 

"Withal taking up the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the 
fiery darts of the evil one. 

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is 
the word of God: 

All. With all prayer and supplication praying at all seasons in the 
Spirit. 

7. HYMN. 

B. REVIEW QUESTIONS by the Superintendent. 

9. THE SCRIPTURE LESSON FOR THE DAY (see Lessons). This may 

be read in unison, or by verse responsively by Superintendent and School, or 
by different parts of the School. In Lesson 39 the Golden Text Responsive 
Service may properly be used in place of the appointed Scripture Reading. 

10. REPETITION OF THE GOLDEN TEXT, in unison. 

11. ANNOUNCEMENTS. 

13. STUDY OF THE LESSON, C T - G - A - 3-1 

Ixxvi 



Appendix : Opening Service — No. 4. 



OPENING SERVICE FOR ALL. GRADES. — Fourth Quarter. 

(Promptly at the sound of the bell let there be perfect quiet in the school.) 

1. SERVICE OF SONG. 

2. RESPONSIVE READING, selected passages. {School standing.) 
Superintendent. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. 

To him that overcometh, to him will \ give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the 
Paradise of God. 

Sc/wol. And on this side of the river and on that was the tree of life, hear- 
ing twelve manner of fruits, yielding its fruit every month: and the 
leaves cf the tree were for the healing of the nations. 

Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life. He that overcometh 
shall not be hurt of the second death. 

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith : 
henceforth there is laid up for me tho crown of righteousness, which the 
Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me at that day : and not only to 
me, but also to all them that have loved his appearing. 

He that overcometh shall be arrayed in white garments ; and I will in no wise blot his 
name out of the book of life. 

And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from 
God, having the glory of God. The building of the wall thereof was 
jasper: and the twelve gates were twelve pearls; each one of the sev- 
eral gates was of one pearl : and the street of the city was pure gold, as 
it were transparent glass. And there shall in no wise enter into it any 
thing unclean, or he that maketh an abomination and a lie : but only they 
which are written in the Lamb's book of life. 

He that overcometh, I will make him a piilar in the temple of my God, and he shall 
go out thence no more : and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the 
name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven 
from my God, and mine own new name. 

And there shall be no curse any more : and the throne of God and of the 
Lamb shall be therein : and his servants shall do him service ; and they 
shall see his face ; and his name shall be on their foreheads. 

He that overcometh, I will give to him to sit down with me in my throne, as I also 
overcame, and sat down with my Father in his throne. 

And there shall be night no more ; and they need no light of lamp, neither 
light of sun; for the Lord God shall give them light: and they shall 
reign for ever and ever. 

All. HE THAT HATH AN EAR. LET HIM HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT 
SAITH TO THE CHURCHES. 

3. GLORIA PATRI. (To be sung by the whole school still standing) 

4. PRAYER, closing with the Lord's Prayer in unison. 

5. HYMN. 

6. REVIEW QUESTIONS. (By the Superintendent) 

7. THE SCRIPTURE LESSON FOR THE DAY. (See Lessons. In Lesson 

52 the Golden Text Responsive Service is designed to be used in place of 
the usual Scripture Reading.) 

8. REPETITION OF THE GOLDEN TEXT, in unison. 

9. ANNOUNCEMENTS. 

10. STUDY OF THE LESSON. 



VT.G A. 4.1 Ixxvii 



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Territorial names in the Roman Empire were of two kinds : First, political 
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